The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fired back at Labour Party after the party made a statement that its chairman, Yakubu Mahmood should be dismissed for misconducting the 2023 presidential elections.
During a press conference held on Thursday, July 13, Labour Party clamored for Mahmood Yakubu’s dismissal and for a forensic audit of INEC’s expenditure before, during and after the election.
Reacting to Labour Party’s demands, Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi said the Labour party’s demands are not only “illogical but also ridiculous”.
Oyekanmi stated that it is absurd that a political party in court challenging the outcome of the presidential election could still proudly and openly discuss the issue at a news conference.
He further noted that INEC gave approvals to local and international election observers under specific rules and regulations, 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’s statement read;
“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.”
