Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has reacted to Labour Party’s call for his sack.
Politics Nigeria earlier reported that the party had appealled to the international community to take punitive action against Yakubu and other top INEC officials over their handling of the 2023 general election.
The party cited observer group reports on the elections as evidence for Yakubu to be relieved of his duty as INEC chairman.
But speaking through his chief press secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the INEC chairman said Labour Party lacks the legal or moral right to call for his sack.
“The reasons adduced by the Labour Party in making the latest and familiar demand are not only illogical but also ridiculous,” he said.
Oyekanmi disclosed that INEC accredited local and international election observers under specific rules and regulations, requiring them to submit their reports to the commission.
“Therefore, it is not within the remit of any election observer whatsoever to indict INEC. They are to observe, make recommendations if they have any, but never to indict.
“In the same manner, it is also not within the Labour Party’s jurisdiction to demand the dismissal and prosecution of the INEC chairman over the outcome of an election in which the party fielded candidates,” Oyekanmi added.
