The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said unequivocally that the Labour Party (LP) has no grounds to demand the resignation of its chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
In a news conference on Thursday, the LP urged the international community to take “punitive action” against Yakubu and other top INEC officials in connection with the conduct of the 2023 elections.
The party cited election observation group reports as sufficient proof.
However, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, told NAN that the “reasons adduced by the LP in making the latest and familiar demand are not only illogical but also ridiculous.”
Oyekanmi stated that INEC accredited local and foreign election observers under certain norms and regulations that required them to provide reports to the commission.
“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,” Oyekanmi added.
