Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party both responded to President Muhammadu Buhari by accusing INEC of corruption and calling for the election to be thrown out. President Buhari has responded.
“That is not to say the exercise was without flaws,” he said. For instance, there were technical issues with the results’ electronic transmission. There will undoubtedly be some areas that require improvement in order to increase the voting process’s credibility and transparency. However, none of the concerns submitted pose a threat to the elections’ integrity or fairness.
“I am aware that some politicians and candidates may not share my opinion. That’s also okay. Bring the evidence forward if any candidate believes they can substantiate the fraud they allege was committed against them. Even though it may be difficult for the losers to accept, if they are unable to, then we must draw the conclusion that the election did indeed reflect the will of the people. Please use the courts, not the streets, if they feel the need to challenge.
“However, to act in the latter way indicates that they are not acting in the best interests of the populace but rather to incite conflict, put people in danger, and pursue their own, selfish interests.
“After the inevitable degree of polarization that follows every election, it is now time to unite and take responsibility. I urge all candidates to keep in mind the peace commitment they made just before the election. Do not undercut INEC’s authority. Let’s now advance collectively. Those in the public have spoken.
Why this matters: Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of INEC, has been asked to step down by the Peoples Democratic Party, the Labour Party, and the African Democratic Congress.
The three parties claimed that violence, election rigging, and voter intimidation marred the February 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections during a joint press conference on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 in Abuja.
