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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has described the call by Labour Party for the removal of its Chairman,  Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, as misplaced and illogical.

Labour Party and its Presidential Campaign Council, had while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, asked the international community to take “punitive action” against Yakubu and other top officials of the electoral body over the conduct of the 2023 elections.

It also called for the investigation of the financial allocations and donors’ funds to INEC for the elections.

But reacting, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, said making such a demand was not only illogical, but also ridiculous.

Oyekanmi, in a statement, said election observers, both local and international, were accredited by INEC to observe elections under specific rules and regulations. 

He explained that under these rules, they were required to submit their respective reports to the Commission, adding that such reports might or might not include their recommendations. 

Oyekanmi pointed out that it was not within the remit of any election observer whatsoever to indict INEC, insisting that they were to observe, make recommendations if they had any, but never to indict.

“The latest and familiar call by the Labour Party for the dismissal and prosecution of INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is misplaced. The reasons adduced by the party for making the demand is not only illogical, but also ridiculous.

“In the same manner, it is also not within the Labour Party’s jurisdiction to demand for 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 Labour Party, has now produced one governor, eight Senators, 35 House of Representatives members and 38 members of the State Houses of Assembly,” he stated.