The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly disapproved of the Labour Party’s (LP) demand for the dismissal of its chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, following the 2023 elections.
INEC maintained that the LP’s assertions were both “illogical and ridiculous,” stating that observer reports do not provide sufficient grounds for punitive action against Yakubu and other top INEC officials.
During a press briefing on Thursday, the LP urged the international community to take punitive action against Yakubu and INEC officials based on reports from observer groups that the election was flawed.
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It is not in our power
However, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, emphasized that observers are accredited based on specific rules and regulations, requiring them to submit their reports to the commission.
Oyekanmi clarified that the role of observers is to observe and make recommendations, not to indict INEC.
He further stated that the LP’s demand for the dismissal and prosecution of the INEC chairman was outside their jurisdiction, especially considering the party fielded candidates in the elections in question.
While tensions between the LP and INEC persist, the electoral commission stands firm in its defense of Yakubu and its position that observer reports alone are insufficient to warrant any punitive action.
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Aregbesola suggests that INEC connect the voters’ registration to the NIN database
In another story, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to connect the voters’ registration with the National Identification Number (NIN) database.
According to the former minister, this will put an end to the period of underage voting and numerous registrations, and individuals should be able to carry out online voter registration just like most application processes.
He specifically said:
“I am suggesting a more seamless registration system that will be continuous and terminates only a few weeks before the election, to allow for compilation and printing of cards. This registration should be synced with the National Identification Number (NIN), It will automatically eliminate underage voters and the possibility of multiple registrations.”
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Aregbesola suggests that INEC connect the voters’ registration to the NIN database
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