Justice Adrian Fisher has warned All Peoples Congress members and supporters against conduct that could disrupt the party’s internal rerun elections, saying intimidation, violence and interference with electoral materials could result in legal consequences.

Fisher’s warning came as the APC prepared to complete outstanding electoral activities ahead of its National Delegates Conference. He urged party members to use established procedures and avoid confrontation over the rerun process.

The judge also called on senior APC figures, including Osman Foday Yansaneh and Sidi Yaya Tunis, to encourage peace and respect for the party’s electoral arrangements.

Warning over electoral disturbances

According to Fisher, the courts would not tolerate threats, intimidation, violence or deliberate actions intended to interfere with voting activities. The warning also covered the destruction of electoral materials and other unlawful conduct capable of affecting the internal elections.

“I AM NOT JOKING AND I AM SERIOUS!” Fisher said while emphasizing his determination to prevent unlawful interference with the electoral process.

He warned that individuals brought before the court in connection with electoral disturbances could face legal measures, including detention where permitted by law and ordered by the court.

Fisher further indicated that people found culpable of disrupting electoral activities could potentially remain in custody until after the APC National Delegates Conference. He stressed, however, that any such action would depend on the circumstances of individual cases and the applicable legal provisions.

The source material refers to allegations of intimidation, threats against political opponents, destruction of ballot boxes and disturbances at polling centres. Those allegations have not been independently verified.

Petitions must follow court procedure

Fisher also outlined the process for challenging the results of the rerun elections. Anyone seeking to file a petition must first swear an affidavit before the court, he said, adding that he would personally handle petition matters arising from the elections.

“When the rerun elections are held, anyone wishing to file a petition must swear an affidavit before the court. I, Adrian Fisher, will personally handle all petition matters. Woe betide anyone who dares to lie under oath in an affidavit,” he said.

The judge warned that knowingly providing false information under oath could carry legal consequences. His remarks underscored that disputes over the rerun results should be taken through judicial channels rather than addressed through threats, confrontation or the destruction of electoral materials.

Fisher reportedly delivered part of his remarks in Krio. The date and locations of the rerun elections, as well as the date of the National Delegates Conference, were not provided.