NDLEA Drug Integrity Test Not Necessary – IPAC Demands Apology

The Inter Party Advisory Council has said that the recently proposed test for aspirants by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is not not logical and it diminishes the integrity of Nigerian politicians.

The council in a statement by its National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani on Saturday berated the anti-graft agency for brining up such act and added that NDLEA should work within the ambient of the law.

IPAC described the moves as outrageous, outlandish, preposterous, despicable and deliberate attack on the sensibilities of lovers of democratic governance in Nigeria.

Sani said the proposal suggests that Nigerian politicians are drug addicts and are not qualified to run for elective positions.

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According to him, “It is reprehensible and unacceptable. IPAC demands an apology from NDLEA and strongly warn the anti-narcotic agency to desist from impugning on the character and integrity of politicians including those contesting for president who are patriotic, highly respected, well accomplished statesmen and women with proven integrity. There should be limit to rascality in the discharge of public duties.

“IPAC strongly condemns drug abuse by misguided citizens and urges NDLEA to discharge its duties in tandem with the law establishing it. A nation is governed by the rule of law, not by impunity.

“It is obvious that political parties’ activities are guided by the 1999 constitution as amended, the Electoral Act 2022, INEC guidelines/regulations and respective parties’ guidelines”.

Sani said there is no justification whatsoever for extra constitutional requirements as proposed by the NDLEA boss.

“This is the position of the Supreme Court ahead of the contentious 2003 general election where it held that INEC had no power to impose nomination fees on aspirants vying for elective offices outside the requirements provided by the constitution. This is the clear position of the law and the position of IPAC for aspirants seeking political offices in the 2023 general election.

Political parties will not be distracted by this absurdity,” he said.

Sani said IPAC will continue to uphold democratic ideals ethics and ethos as, “we jointly build a better, greater and prosperous democratic society”.