By Chioma Obinagwam
The Chairman of Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has reacted to the call by the Labour Party (LP), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) for resignation.
INEC told Confiance News in a statement on Tuesday.
Reacting, he said, “The call by the Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Democratic Party on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to resign is misplaced. The allegation by Dino Melaye that the INEC Chairman allocated scores to parties is unfounded and irresponsible.
“At the same time, contrary to the insinuation by both parties, results emanating from the States point to a free, fair and credible process.”
Yakubu notes that there are laid down procedures for aggrieved parties or candidates to follow when they are dissatisfied about the outcome of an election.
“Such procedures do not include calling on the INEC Chairman to resign or for the election to be cancelled,” he pointed.
He added that aggrieved parties are free to approach the courts to ventilate their concerns and wait for the matter to be resolved; adding that making inciting comments capable of causing violence or unrest is unacceptable.
“The 2023 General election processes are in their final stages of completion. It is only fair for aggrieved parties to allow the conclusion of the process and approach the courts with their evidences to pursue their cases,” he stressed.
