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AA and APP Criticize LP's Call for Removal of INEC Chairman
The Action Alliance (AA) and Action Peoples Party (APP) have expressed their disappointment over the Labour Party's (LP) demand for the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The LP's Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign, Mr. Akin Osuntokun, made the call, which the AA and APP consider baseless.
Barrister Kenneth Udeze, the National Chairman of the AA, released a statement on Thursday night, accusing the LP of mudslinging against the INEC chairman because they failed to present a convincing case at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
Udeze highlighted that the LP and its affiliated organizations are attempting to divert public attention from the fact that their candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, did not win the 2023 presidential election and had little chance of winning. He pointed out that the litigants in various election petition tribunals are relying on reforms introduced by INEC to present their cases.
Udeze further emphasized that even if the elections were manipulated, the LP can only prove their case by utilizing the innovations introduced and defended by the INEC chairman. It is perplexing that the party criticizes him while depending on the very reforms he championed.
He also commended INEC, under Professor Mahmood's leadership, for implementing significant reforms to enhance the electoral process in Nigeria.
Additionally, the APP released a separate statement expressing their disappointment with the LP's actions. They highlighted the trend of using INEC as a convenient scapegoat for manipulation by the political class.
Barrister Uche Nnadi, the Party's acting National Chairman, urged the LP to await the decision of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) and advised against needlessly inciting the Nigerian public against an exceptional public servant due to their anticipated loss in the election.
Nnadi also pointed out that INEC facilities were targeted and attacked during the election period, with little response from figures like Mr. Osuntokun. While acknowledging isolated cases of politicians influencing INEC staff, he stressed that the Commission has shown dedication in prosecuting those responsible for such acts.