INEC Reacts As Labour Party Calls For Yakubu’s Sack

INEC Reacts As Labour Party Calls For Yakubu’s Sack

The Labour Party (LP) has been criticized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for calling for the removal of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in relation to the outcome of the 2023 general election.

Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, described the LP’s reasons for the demand as illogical and ridiculous. He explained that election observers, both local and international, were accredited by INEC to observe elections based on specific rules and regulations. Their reports may or may not include recommendations, but it is not their role to indict INEC.

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Oyekanmi further stated that it is not within the LP’s jurisdiction to demand the dismissal and prosecution of the INEC Chairman over the election outcome, especially since the LP itself fielded candidates in the election. He pointed out that despite the LP’s complaints, the party had produced a state governor, senators, representatives, and members of state houses of assembly from the same election.

The INEC spokesman found it strange that the LP, which is currently in court challenging the outcome of the presidential election, would openly discuss the matter at press conferences, knowing that it is subjudice. He advised the LP to abide by the rules and regulations governing political parties and to limit its activities accordingly.

In a separate development, the LP 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, stated during a media briefing in Abuja that Nigerians deserved transparency regarding how the funds were disbursed.