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Compulsory resignation from active civil service for prospective political candidates in Nigeria has been described as unhealthy for our democratic growth. This view was made known by the publicity secretary of the Independent Democrat party, Ekiti State chapter, Mr Victor Alade. INEC stipulates in its electoral guidelines that a candidate must have resigned three (3) months from active civil service and provide evidence of such during candidature registration.

He made this known at a forum organised by the party recently in Ado Ekiti. While responding to the recent INEC reforms that allows Independent candidature in future general elections as a good development, the 32 year old however said that the issue of compulsory resignation of aspiring political candidate from active service is one other important aspect that needs to be looked at.

“The compulsory resignation of prospective political candidates from active service should be abolished in the electoral act, going forward. It is detrimental to our political development and also hampers genuine involvement of people in politics.”

“The fact that most political candidates have no hope of any job to fall back on after their tenure is why they embezzle money like there’s no tomorrow. It is the same reason why many young people don’t want to contest for elective offices. Most young people fear losing their jobs.”

Mr Victor stated that political aspiration in the country is laden with so many risks already than to have no hope of livelihood if a candidate fails after election. He reckoned that this is one of the major reasons why political office holders embezzle money while in office.

He therefore recommends that a leave of absence only will suffice for prospective political candidates as it will help our democratic involvement and quality representation.

“If we can remove the clause from our electoral requirements, then we will see the involvement of value oriented and value-driven people in politics because they know that even if they didn’t get the mandate of their people to serve, at least they can go back to their previous jobs.” He says.

Please Read http://www.thedoobigpost.com/2017/10/stop-asking-prospective-political-candidates-to-resign-from-active-civil-service-victor-alade/