David Lawani, Abuja
The Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Rotimi Oyekanmi has described the allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party. PDP, spokesperson Senator Dino Melaye and Labour Party presidential agent as unfounded and misplaced.
Oyekanmi made this known in a statement as part of his reaction to the accusation by the duo that the Commission had already allocated votes to candidate of the party saying such allegation was irresponsible.
The CPS reiterated that the votes from this states that these agents are complaining of is a reflection of a free and and credible process.
He also said that anyone who is aggrieved of the yet to be determined outcome of the process which is still ongoing has the right to seek for grievance instead of resorting to self-help noting that calling on the Chairman to resign won’t address the issue.
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He said: ” 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”, he explained.
