The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged aggrieved parties to go to courts to lay their complaints instead of making inciting comments even before conclusion of the electoral process.
The Commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekonmi said this in a statement while reacting to calls by the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Democratic Party asking the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to resign.
INEC claimed the allegation by the collation agent of the PDP, Dino Melaye, that the INEC Chairman allocated scores to parties is unfounded and irresponsible.
The Commission said contrary to the insinuation by both parties, results emanating from the states point to a free, fair and credible process.
“There are laid down procedures for aggrieved parties or candidates to follow when they are dissatisfied about the outcome of an election. Such procedures do not include calling on the INEC Chairman to resign or for the election to be cancelled,” the Commission said in a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekonmi.
“To be sure, aggrieved parties are free to approach the courts to ventilate their concerns and wait for the matter to be resolved. Making inciting comments capable of causing violence or unrest is unacceptable.
“The 2023 general election processes are in their final stages of completion. It is only fair for aggrieved parties to allow the conclusion of the process and approach the courts with their evidence to pursue their cases,” it said.