By Mark C. Orgu,news/comments, March 17, 2019
In response to the alleged frustration of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to allow the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, access to exam the election materials and others used throughout the presidential election held on February 23, 2019 is not true. This, according to INEC is not correct.
It could be recall that few weeks ago, A three-man panel of the court of Appeal led by Justices, Abdul Aboki, and Peter Ige and Emmanuel Agim, gave the order based on an ex-parte motion filed by the PDP and Atiku seeking an order to have access to inspect the electoral materials used for the February 23 polls. They also asked the court for an order compelling INEC to allow them to inspect the register and other vital documents used in the conduct of the election unhindered. In delivering its ruling, the panel ordered INEC to allow the appellant access to all electoral material to enable the applicant file and maintain an electoral petition.
Meanwhile, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, speaking recently on the issue, said that the PDP had on Saturday accused the commission of disobeying the ruling of an Appeal Court, which ordered the PDP and his candidate access to the election materials, including documents and others used for the presidential election. “The party equally accused INEC of colluding with the All Progressives Congress, APC, to deny its candidates victories which Nigerians have given them.
Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, INEC’s spokesman
who reacted to the allegations said: “It is common knowledge that since the
declaration of the results of the presidential election, the commission has
been busy with the multiple activities associated with the national assembly,
governorship, state houses of assembly and federal capital territory elections.
“Only last Thursday, the commission presented certificates of return to
senators-elect and House of Representatives members-elect, including PDP
members. “Nevertheless, the commission will comply when the due process is
followed.”
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