By Okoi Obono-Obla
In Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape, the role of political parties in shaping leadership cannot be overstated. Yet, as technology reshapes communication, a troubling trend has emerged: party officials using personal Twitter handles to announce critical decisions, including the disqualification of aspirants from primary elections. This practice is not only legally untenable but also corrosive to democratic norms.
Law vs. Social Media:
The Electoral Act and party constitutions are clear: disqualification of aspirants must follow due process, communicated through formal channels such as letters, press releases, or official notices. A tweet, no matter how authoritative the handle, does not carry legal weight. INEC will not act on it, and courts will dismiss it as mere publicity. To treat social media posts as binding decisions is to trivialize the sanctity of electoral procedures.
The APC Example:
Recently, it was purported that some aspirants vying for tickets under the All Progressives Congress (APC) were disqualified through a Twitter post made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka. While such a post may have informational or publicity value, it does not constitute a valid or binding disqualification. The law requires that aspirants be formally notified through official party channels, and INEC must receive proper documentation. Anything less is legally ineffective and open to judicial challenge.
The Risks:
– Confusion: Aspirants and supporters may be misled by unofficial announcements.
– Litigation: Courts will strike down decisions not properly communicated.
– Credibility loss: Parties risk appearing unserious, governed by hashtags rather than constitutions.
The Way Forward:
Political parties must resist the temptation to conflate social media influence with institutional authority. Twitter handles can amplify official decisions, but they cannot substitute them. If democracy is to thrive, parties must uphold due process, ensuring that disqualification notices are issued through recognized, documented channels. Anything less is a betrayal of the rule of law.
In conclusion, democracy demands clarity, legality, and respect for institutions. Tweets may win attention, but they cannot win legitimacy. Nigeria’s political parties must remember: social media is a megaphone, not a gavel. The APC episode involving Mr. Felix Morka’s Twitter post is a cautionary tale — one that underscores the urgent need for parties to separate publicity from procedure.
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