…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
The Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign, Balogun Akin Osuntokun, held a press conference on behalf of the Labour Party and the Obi-Datti Campaign.
During the conference, Osuntokun called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
He emphasized the need to rectify the flaws and ensure that the will of the people, as expressed in the 2023 elections, is upheld.
The Significance of the 2023 Elections
Osuntokun acknowledged that the 2023 elections marked a watershed moment in Nigeria’s electoral, political, and developmental history.
The nation and the international community were determined to prevent electoral fraud and manipulation from becoming the foundation of bad governance, as in the past.
The election process fell short of citizens’ expectations, legal regulations, and international standards, as highlighted by various observer groups.
Observer Reports and Recommendations
Osuntokun commended the Election Observer groups, both local and international, for their courage, focus, and clarity of thought in monitoring the elections.
Reports from observer groups such as the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, the NDI-NRI International Election Observer Mission, and the European Union Election Observer Mission highlighted deficiencies in the election administration, operational failures, lack of transparency, and the erosion of public confidence in INEC.
Condemnation of Negative Responses
Osuntokun strongly condemned negative and biased responses to the EU Report and other Election Observers’ reports by the spokesperson of the APC administration and other ill-informed individuals.
He urged those deploying hired protesters to the EU offices to cease wasting public funds, as the irregularities in the election were glaring and experienced by the majority of Nigerians.
Support for the Judiciary’s Role
Osuntokun called on Nigerians and the international community to expect the judiciary to critically examine the evidence, the law, and the flawed processes of the elections to arrive at a legally correct verdict.
He urged the people of Nigeria to follow the legal process patiently, keenly, and peacefully until a final resolution is reached.
Demand for Accountability and Action
The Director-General demanded the immediate dismissal and prosecution of Prof Mahmud Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, and the commencement of a forensic financial investigation into the expenditure of budgeted disbursements and funds received by INEC.
He thanked the media for their dedication in reporting on the resolution process and expressed gratitude to Nigerians worldwide for their alertness and steadfastness.
Conclusion: A New Nigeria is Possible
Osuntokun concluded the address by expressing gratitude for the continued support of the international community and civil society in growing and consolidating Nigerian democracy.
He reaffirmed the belief that a new Nigeria, characterized by vision and competence, is possible.