At People’s Democratic Party and the Labor Party called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
The two parties made the call at a joint press conference by the vice presidential candidate in Abuja on Tuesday. They also demanded the annulment of the presidential election results announced by INEC in Abuja.
However, in a swift response, INEC rejected the call, saying that Mr. Yakubu would not resign and that the aggrieved should channelize their grievances in accordance with the electoral law.
PREMIUM TIMES reports that the PDP and LP agents have left the national collation center in Abuja on Monday while the INEC chairman confirmed that the process will continue even though the commission has yet to upload the results of all polling units on the INEC online portal, IReV.
On Tuesday, in a joint press conference, the PDP and LP asked the electoral commission to postpone the collection of results and cancel the election.
He accused the commission of compromise and called on Mr. Yakubu to step down from his position as the chief election umpire for someone else to conduct the election.
But Mr. Oyekanmi said there are procedures in place to deal with complaints and asking the chairman to resign is not one of them.
In a brief statement, he said the call for the resignation of the INEC Chairman was wrong.
He also dismissed allegations that the INEC Chairman was awarding scores to parties, saying it was baseless and irresponsible.
ALSO READ: #NigeriaDecides2023: PDP, LP demand annulment of presidential results announced in Abuja
“At the same time, contrary to the insinuation by both parties, the results emanating from the state point to a free, fair and credible process,” he said.
“There are established procedures for aggrieved parties or candidates when they are not satisfied with the outcome of the election. The procedure does not include calling the Chairman of INEC to resign or have the election annulled.
“Of course, the aggrieved party is free to approach the court to raise their concerns and wait for the matter to be resolved. Making comments that may cause violence or unrest is unacceptable.
“The 2023 election process has reached its final stage. It is only fair for the aggrieved party to allow the conclusion of the process and approach the court with evidence to proceed with the case.
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