The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu insists that the 2023 general elections war free, fair and credible despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
In a statement signed by Rotimi Oyekanmi, chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, the commission also described the call for Yakubu’s resignation as “misplaced.”
The INEC Chairman, however, asked aggrieved political parties that are unsatisfied with the results of the presidential election to approach the court.
He further said that the allegation by Melaye that the INEC chairman allocated scores to parties was unfounded and irresponsible.
The statement partly reads, “At the same time, contrary to the insinuation by both parties, results emanating from the States point to a free, fair and credible process.
“There are laid down procedures for aggrieved parties or candidates to follow when they are dissatisfied about the outcome of an election. Such procedures do not include calling on the INEC Chairman to resign or for the election to be cancelled.
“To be sure, aggrieved parties are free to approach the courts to ventilate their concerns and wait for the matter to be resolved. Making inciting comments capable of causing violence or unrest is unacceptable.
“The 2023 General election processes are in their final stages of completion. It is only fair for aggrieved parties to allow the conclusion of the process and approach the courts with their evidences to pursue their cases.”
Mr. Yakubu’s stance however contradicts the opinions of both national and international observers, who had said that the election was marred by violence, incompetence and lack of transparency.
The Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party had at a press conference held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja asked Yakubu to resign as the INEC chairman.
The parties also demanded the cancellation of the presidential election be conducted afresh, saying it was far from being fair or transparent.
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