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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the Labour Party (LP) to desist from making ridiculous demands.
Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, gave the advise while reacting to Labour Party and Obi-Datti Campaign Organisation’s call for the sack and prosecution of Prof Mahmood Yakubu and other staff of the commission over the conduct of the 2023 generation elections.
He said: “The latest and familiar call by the Labour Party for the dismissal and prosecution of INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu is misplaced. The reasons adduced by the party for making the demand are not only illogical, but also ridiculous.
“To be sure, election observers, both local and international, are accredited by INEC to observe elections under specific rules and regulations. Under these rules, they are required to submit their respective reports to the commission. 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.”
He said that it is also not within the Labour Party’s jurisdiction to demand the 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, the Labour Party has now produced one state governor, eight senators, 35 House of Representatives members and 38 members of the state Houses of Assembly.
“It is suprising 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 the issues before the court at press conferences, which it knows is subjudice.
“The Labour Party is one of the 18 political parties registered and being regulated by INEC in Nigeria. The party will do well by restricting itself to activities permitted under the rules and regulations governing the conduct of political parties,” Oyekanmi added.
