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 an “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.”
