By Adadareporters
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Friday, reacted to Labour Party’s call for the sack and prosecution of INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Yakubu is seen by LP and some others as having performed below par in the 2023 general elections, leading to a plethora of litigations in the aftermath of the polls.
Chief press secretary to INEC chairman Rotimi Oyekanmi disclosed this in reaction to the statement by the LP’s director general of presidential campaign council, Mr Akin Osuntokun, yesterday.
Oyekanmi said, “The reasons adduced by the LP in making the latest and familiar demand are not only illogical, but also ridiculous.”
Oyekanmi said both local and international observers were accredited by INEC to monitor elections under specific rules and regulations, hence the reliance on facts from foreign observers was wrong.
According to him, “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, 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.
“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.”
