Aggrieved presidential candidates should approach the Court ― INEC Chairman

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has faulted agitation for his removal and cancellation of the Presidential election.

Senator Dino Melaye and Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, two of the polling agents of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, led agents of the Labour Party (LP), Umar Farooq Ibrahim and agents of the Action Alliance(AA), Action Democratic Party (ADC) and Action People’s Party (APP) to stage a walk out on Monday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, venue of INEC collation centre for results of the presidential election.

The political parties cited alleged breaches of provisions of Electoral Act 2022(as amended) by the electoral umpire.

Melaye who was the first to speak with newsmen outside the Collation room said despite assurance by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu that results of elections would be uploaded on INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) the Commission has failed to show sincerity to its pledge.

Yakubu who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, maintained that the conduct of the election has been free and fair.

He advised aggrieved parties a 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.”

His statement read in part:” The call by the Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Democratic Party on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to resign is misplaced. The allegation by Dino Melaye that the INEC Chairman allocated scores to parties is unfounded and irresponsible.

“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.”