The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the Labour Party’s (LP) demand for the removal of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in light of the 2023 general election results. According to report from Vanguard , Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, addressed the issue, stating that the LP’s reasons for the call were both illogical and ridiculous.
Oyekanmi emphasized that election observers, whether local or international, were accredited by INEC to observe elections within specific rules and regulations. According to these rules, observers were required to submit reports to the commission, which may or may not include recommendations. Therefore, it is not the role of any election observer to indict INEC; their purpose is to observe and, if they choose, provide recommendations.
Similarly, the LP does not have the jurisdiction to demand the dismissal and prosecution of the INEC Chairman based on the outcome of an election in which the party fielded candidates. Interestingly, the LP itself has achieved political success in the 2023 General Election, with one state governor, eight senators, 35 House of Representatives members, and 38 members of the State Houses of Assembly elected.
Oyekanmi found it strange that a political party currently challenging the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in court would openly discuss the matter at press conferences, despite its subjudice status. He reminded the LP that it is one of the 18 political parties registered and regulated by INEC, and it should restrict itself to activities permitted under the rules and regulations governing political parties’ conduct.
In response to the LP’s demand for a forensic investigation into the expenditure of the budget and donor funds received by INEC for the 2023 general election, Otumba Akin Osuntokun, the Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, called for transparency in the disbursement of funds. Osuntokun stated that Nigerians deserved to know how the funds were allocated.
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