The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reacted to Labour Party’s call for its chairman, Yakubu Mahmood to be sacked over how the 2023 presidential election was conducted.
During a press conference held on Thursday, July 13, Labour Party had called for Yakubu’s sack and for a forensic audit of INEC’s expenditure before, during and after the election.
However reacting to Labour Party’s demands, Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi said the opposition party’s demands are not only “illogical but also ridiculous”.
Oyekanmi also said that it is strange that a political party in court challenging the outcome of the presidential election could still openly discuss the matter at a news conference, knowing fully that doing so is subjudice.
He also noted that INEC accredited local and international election observers under specific rules and regulations, under which they were required to submit their reports to the commission. Oyakanmi added that “such reports may or may not include their recommendations. Therefore, it is not within the remit of any election observer whatsoever to indict INEC. They are to observe, make recommendations if they have any, but never to indict.”
INEC also said in its statement;
“It is not within LP’s jurisdiction to demand dismissal and prosecution of the INEC Chairman over the outcome of an election in which the party fielded candidates.
“Interestingly, arising from the outcome of the same 2023 general election, LP has now produced one state governor, eight senators, 35 House of Representatives members and 38 members of state Houses of Assembly.
“It is surprising and strange that a political party that is in court to challenge the outcome of the 2023 presidential election would still go about openly advocating issues before the court at press conferences, which it knows is subjudice.
“Labour Party is one of the 18 political parties registered and regulated by INEC in Nigeria. The party will do well by restricting itself to activities permitted under rules and regulations governing the conduct of political parties.”