The Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign in the 2023 election has sounded an alarm, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of attempting to manipulate the original results of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Manager of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, issued a warning to INEC, urging them not to tamper with the Integrity Recording and Verification System (IRev) concerning the FCT.
Obaze conveyed his concerns in a tweet on Saturday, citing intelligence received by the Campaign office, which suggests that INEC is succumbing to pressure to manipulate the results of certain states, including the FCT, in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement from the Obi-Datti Media Office, signed by Diran Onifade, the Head of the Media Office, Obaze said, “According to our source, INEC is tampering with the machines used in the election to adjust FCT results to give the APC candidate the much-needed 25%, which he did not initially obtain as declared by INEC. This discrepancy has become the subject of challenge at the Presidential Election Tribunal.”
The statement continued, expressing scepticism about the Electoral Commission’s audacious actions. “It is unclear how the Electoral Commission can brazenly carry out such a bizarre action, but considering the hasty declaration of the APC candidate as the winner at 4 a.m., nothing can be taken for granted,” Obaze said.
“Mr. Obaze warns that both INEC and the ruling APC may be underestimating the adherence to the rule of law and due process displayed by Nigerians in general and the Obidient Movement in particular. However, they would be inviting disaster if they attempt to exacerbate the wound inflicted on Nigeria’s electorate,” the statement further stated.
Obaze, a retired United Nations diplomat, reminded INEC that their alleged actions would be akin to flogging a dead horse. He asserted that regardless of the authenticity of the reports, the Commission should be aware that public confidence in their integrity has long been eroded.
