Although every adult has the right to contest for elections in Nigeria, however their are certain factors that could disqualifies an individual from taking part in an election. In this article we will explore some of the reason why an individual may be disqualified from taking part in the electoral process
Factors that could disqualifies a citizen from contesting elections
According to section 137 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, a person will be disqualified to be elected as a political aspirant if he does not meet the above-stated qualifications and is found wanting of the following:
- He has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a country other than Nigeria or has declared allegiance to such other party.
- Has been elected to the office of the President or Governor at any 2 previous elections.
- Under the law in any part of Nigeria, he has been adjudged to be a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind.
- Within a period of fewer than 10 years before the date of the election to the office, has been convicted or sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty.
- Found guilty of contravention of the code of conduct.
- Has an undischarged bankruptcy under any law in force in Nigeria or any other country.
- Being a person employed in the civil or public service of the federal or state and does not resign, withdraw or retire from the employment at least 30 days before the date of the election.
- Member of any secret society.
- Has been indicted for embezzlement or fraud a judicial commission of inquiry and has been accepted the federal or state government.
- Has presented a false certificate to the INEC and has been found guilty of an offence involving narcotic drugs or any other psychotropic substance any court or tribunal in Nigeria or any other country.
These are others are some of the reason why an individual or a citizen can be stopped from voting or taking part in an election. Though these factors are peculiar to Nigeria but they are often applicable to what is permitted in other countries of the world.
