
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally addressed the backlash trailing the ongoing collation of the 2023 presidential election results.
Following INEC’s refusal to acknowledge and act on the observations and demands on Monday, some opposition parties including PDP and LP staged a walkout during the collation of results at the National Collation Centre in Abuja.
Reacting to the development on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi urged political parties to allow the conclusion of the electoral process and if not satisfied, they could approach the court.
Oyekanmi insisted that contrary to the insinuation that the 2023 elections were rigged, the results emanating from the states point to a free, fair and credible process.
He also faulted calls for the resignation of the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, saying there are procedures for aggrieved parties or candidates to follow when they are dissatisfied with the outcome of an election.
“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.”
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