The Independent National Electoral Commission has knocked the Labour Party over calls for the sack of the electoral body’s chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, over the last 2023 presidential election.
The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated that the call is not only ‘illogical’ but also ‘ridiculous’
“The reasons adduced by the LP in making the latest and familiar demand are not only illogical but also ridiculous,” he said.
He stated that INEC had accredited both local and international election observers to watch elections under particular norms and regulations.
“Under these rules, they were 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 and make recommendations if they have any, but never to indict.
“In the same manner, it is also not within the LP’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 LP has now produced one State Governor, eight Senators, 35 House of Representatives members, and 38 members of the State Houses of Assembly,” he said.
Oyekanmi found it unusual that a political party that was in court appealing the outcome of the 2023 presidential election could still go about freely discussing the topic at a news conference, despite the fact that the matter was under court supervision.
“The LP 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,” he said.
