INEC Chairman Rejects Opposition Parties' Call to Resign

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has responded to calls by the Labour Party (LP) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for him to resign, stating that the rings are misplaced. The parties had expressed their lack of confidence in the ongoing election process due to the non-use of electronic transmission of results stipulated by the Electoral Act and alleged that the elections had been manipulated.

In a briefing in Abuja, the INEC Chairman's Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said that the results from the States indicate a free, fair, and credible process contrary to the insinuations by the parties. He also dismissed allegations by Senator Dino Melaye that the INEC Chairman allocated scores to parties, stating that such claims were unfounded and irresponsible.

Yakubu emphasised that aggrieved parties have the right to approach the courts to vent their concerns and wait for the matter to be resolved rather than making inciting comments that could cause violence or unrest. He reminded parties that there are laid down procedures to follow when dissatisfied with the outcome of an election, which does not include calling for the INEC Chairman's resignation or the cancellation of the election.

The INEC Chairman also pointed out that the 2023 General election processes are in their final stages of completion, and it is only fair for aggrieved parties to allow the conclusion of the process and approach the courts with their evidence to pursue their cases. Therefore, he urged parties to respect the electoral process and will enable it to run its course.