Political parties lambast NDLEA; reject drug tests for aspirants
A proposal by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for drug tests on aspirants contesting political offices in 2023 has been declined by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
IPAC chairman Yabagi Sani rejected the drug integrity test proposal as part of the screening requirements for political party aspirants in the next general election.
Mr Sani in a statement described the proposal as “outrageous, outlandish, preposterous, despicable and deliberate attack” on the sensibilities of lovers of democratic governance in Nigeria.
“The awkward proposal portrays politicians as drug addicts who must be certified fit to run for various elective offices by the agency. It is reprehensible and unacceptable,” he said.
Mr Sani demanded an apology from NDLEA and advised 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.
“It is high time we begin to show regard for the nation’s political leaders as obtainable in other democracies.
“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.
“There is no justification whatsoever for extra constitutional requirements as proposed by the NDLEA .
“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 elections.”
Mr Sani said that political parties would not be distracted by the NDLEA’s proposal.
He added that IPAC would continue to uphold democratic ideals, ethics and ethos as parties jointly build a better, greater and prosperous democratic society.
“IPAC strongly condemns drug abuse by misguided citizens and urges NDLEA to discharge its duties in tandem with the law establishing it.”
(NAN)
More from Peoples Gazette
Economy
Buhari regime will continue to borrow without subsidy removal: Femi Adesina
“You know how much could have been saved if the subsidy was removed and how it could have been diverted to other areas and spheres of national life.
States
Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan salutes Muslims as police assure Oyo, Yobe residents of security
Muslims were asked to remain virtuous, self-disciplined, dedicated and God-fearing at all times.
Opinion
Azu Ishiekwene: What history says about how Buhari’s successor will emerge
The noise about a possible Jonathan return and concerns that it could be disastrous for other aspirants may be good political gossip, but it’s a waste of time.
World
Australia’s PM accuses China of interfering with country’s May 21 election
China recently unveiled a security deal with the nearby Solomon Islands.
![Yekini Ayoku [Photo Credit: Pmnews]](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/DA9E5581-8C27-49FB-A902-C1BCDBC2E8B2.jpeg)
States
Police in Kaduna deploy 10,000 personnel for Eid-el-Fitr celebration
The deployed personnel would cover worship centres, markets, infrastructures, social and recreational centres, highways, and others.
NationWide
Security beefed up at airports to secure Sallah travellers: FAAN
The FAAN spokesperson assured passengers and airport users of absolute safety and security at the nation’s airports during the Sallah celebration.
Showbiz
Met Police hands Khafi ‘final warning’ for appearing on BBNaija
Khafi spent 77 days on the “Lockdown” edition of the show, seeking fame and fortune before she was evicted.
