**Supreme Court decision strengthens electoral transparency**
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court upheld the order of the Abuja-based Government Election Appeals Tribunal, granting the SDP candidate permission to inspect election documents.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, while delivering the judgment, declared that the order of the first instance court fell within the scope of Article 146 of the Electoral Law.
The Court had granted an order on application in November last year, allowing the SDP and its candidate in the gubernatorial elections to carry out a thorough review of all the bimodal BVAS voter accreditation systems used in the elections, among others other measures.
However, a panel of three judges of the Court of Appeal, chaired by Judge J.O.K. Oyewole, in his judgment dated March 1, 2024, quashed the inspection order. The order of the Court of Appeal in Abuja quashing the inspection order had been stayed by the Supreme Court.
Nonetheless, the Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the appeals court’s ruling and upheld the lower court’s ruling.
“This decision strengthens the transparency of the electoral process, highlighting the importance of compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Law. The inspection guarantees provided by the law aim to ensure the integrity and legitimacy of the elections, and to restore confidence of the public in the democratic system.”
By celebrating this historic decision, we can hope for the strengthening of democratic principles and the consolidation of citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.
Beyond the legal issues, this case highlights the crucial importance of transparency and accountability in our democratic system, reminding all political actors and citizens that respect for the law is essential to guarantee free and fair elections. fair.
This decision by the Supreme Court marks a significant step towards a more transparent and accountable democracy, and encourages the principles of the rule of law and the rule of law in our society.