PDP, LP, ADC demand INEC chair’s resignation, call for fresh elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over the conduct of February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.

The parties equally called for the cancellation of the just concluded general election, saying the 2023 presidential poll was marred by violence, intimidation of voters, and rigging.

They said this at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking on behalf of the parties, the LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, said the 2023 general election was not transparent.

He alleged that INEC comprised the just concluded polls “even before collation commenced at the polling units”.

“Section 60 sub-section 5 of the Electoral Act says that the presiding officer shall transfer the results, including total number of accredited voters and the results of the ballots in a manner as prescribed by the commission.

“A failure to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the guidelines makes it imperative that all results recently uploaded on the IReV portal must be updated before they are announced. INEC went back on that promise.

“This election is not free and far from being fair and transparent.

“We shall not be part of the electoral process currently going on at the National Collation Centre and we demand that this sham of an election be immediately cancelled.

“We also call for a fresh election to be carried out in accordance to the laid down INEC procedure.

“We, therefore, call on Yakubu to step aside from his role,” Abure stated.

He further enjoined President Muhammadu Buhari to stand by his promise to Nigerians to leave a legacy of a free, fair, transparent, and credible election in the country, saying: “President Buhari, this is the time of great test of your integrity, use your office to save Nigeria from this electoral mismanagement and save your legacy.

“We call on Nigerians to join us in defending the democracy of our country,” the LP chairman added.

Others at the press briefing were PDP National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu; ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu; and former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha; among others.

The Star

Segun Ojo