The electoral process cannot be truncated, INEC chairman replies PDP, LP, ADC
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday described the call for his resignation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, Labour Party and the African Democratic Party (ADC) as misplaced.
The three parties, at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday had called for the cancellation of Tuesday’s presidential and National Assembly elections and the resignation of the INEC chairman as a result of alleged irregularities.
Reacting to the call, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman said the was irresponsible, even as he described the election as free and fair, going by feelers across the country.
“The call by the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to resign is misplaced,” he said
Oyekanmi said contrary to insinuation by the aggrieved political parties, results emanating from the States point to a free, fair and credible process.
“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
“To be sure, aggrieved parties are free to approach the courts to ventilate their concerns and wait for the matter to be resolved.
“Making inciting comments capable of causing violence or unrest is unacceptable,” he added.
The spokesperson argued that 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 noted.
