…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
The Action Peoples Party (APP) has responded to the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council’s (LPPCC) call for the dismissal of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The APP considers the demand unnecessary and urges the LP to await the ruling of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal before making such calls.
The party emphasizes the need to avoid unjustly targeting Yakubu, citing his exemplary service as a public servant, and asserts that INEC has often been exploited by the political class for their own advantage.
LP’s Demand for Yakubu’s Dismissal
Akin Osuntokun, the Director General of the LP Presidential Campaign, recently called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of INEC Chairman Professor Yakubu.
He also urged the international community to take punitive action against Yakubu and other high-ranking officials of the electoral body based on their conduct during the 2023 elections.
APP’s Response and Call for Patience:
In a statement issued by the acting National Chairman of the APP, Uche Nnadi, the party disagreed with the LP’s demand for Yakubu’s removal.
Nnadi urged the LP to await the decision of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal regarding the 2023 election before making any judgments.
He expressed disappointment that INEC has become an easy target for the political class to manipulate the system in their favor.
Nnadi cautioned against unnecessarily stirring up public sentiment against Yakubu, who he considers to be an exceptional public servant, especially in light of the LP’s predicted loss in the election.
APP’s Defense of INEC and Acknowledgment of Challenges:
Nnadi emphasized that INEC has faced numerous challenges, including targeted attacks on its facilities, particularly in the South East region, during the election period.
He pointed out that politicians have often influenced INEC staff to manipulate the electoral process.
However, he noted that INEC has shown commitment in prosecuting those found guilty of such acts and stressed the importance of considering the overall efforts of the commission in conducting free and fair elections.
Conclusion:
The APP disagrees with the call for the dismissal of INEC Chairman Professor Yakubu by the LP Presidential Campaign Council.
The party urges patience for the ruling of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal before passing judgment.
The APP acknowledges the challenges faced by INEC and defends the commission against unjust attacks, while also recognizing the need to address instances of manipulation and hold perpetrators accountable.