Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism MenteeChairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has decried agitations for his removal and cancellation of the Presidential election by aggrieved political parties.
This was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, who contended that the conduct of the election has been free and fair.
The chairman, however urged aggrieved parties to approach the courts and seek redress rather than making provocative comments capable of causing violence in the country.
Oyekanmi said: “The call by the Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Democratic Party for 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.
“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.”
“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 evidence to pursue their cases,” he said.
Recall that Senator Dino Melaye and Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, who are the polling agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), staged a walkout along with the agent of the Labour Party (LP), Umar Farooq Ibrahim and agents of the Action Alliance (AA), and Action People’s Party (APP) on Monday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, venue of INEC collation centre for results of the presidential election.
READ ALSO: 2023 Polls: Dino Melaye, Other Party Agents Walk Out Of Abuja Collation Centre
The aggrieved political party agents cited alleged violations of provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 by the INEC chairman.
While speaking to the newsmen, Melaye stated that despite assurance by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, that the results of elections would be uploaded on the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), the Commission failed to show sincerity in its promise.
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