According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Labour Party’s call for the removal of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in relation to the outcome of the 2023 general election holds no merit.
Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, expressed this viewpoint during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
Oyekanmi described the reasons provided by the Labour Party as illogical and ridiculous, stating that election observers, both local and international, were accredited by INEC to observe elections according to specific rules and regulations. These observers were required to submit reports to the commission, which may or may not include recommendations.
He emphasized that it is not within the jurisdiction of any election observer to indict INEC. Their role is to observe and make recommendations, not to indict the commission. Likewise, the LP does not have the authority to demand the dismissal and prosecution of the INEC Chairman based on the election outcome in which the party fielded candidates.
Interestingly, Oyekanmi noted that despite the LP’s challenges with the presidential election outcome, they have successfully produced a state governor, eight senators, 35 members of the House of Representatives, and 38 members of the State Houses of Assembly from the same 2023 general election.
Oyekanmi found it peculiar that a party engaged in a court case regarding the presidential election outcome would openly discuss the matter in a news conference, knowing that it is sub judice (subject to legal proceedings).
He advised the Labour Party to adhere to the rules and regulations governing political parties and restrict themselves to permitted activities.
The Labour Party had demanded 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, made this demand during a media briefing in Abuja, stating that Nigerians deserve transparency regarding the disbursement of these funds.
