Okowa, Baba-Ahmed ask INEC to cancel election results

64

 

 

The vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ifeanyi Okowa; and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Datti Baba-Ahmed have unanimously called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.

 

Okowa and Baba-Ahmed stated this at a joint briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

Okowa, who is also the governor of Delta State, said “it is clearly stated in that Electoral Act that all election results must be transmitted at the polling unit level” and that it is only the results electronically transmitted from the polling units that can be collated at the centre.

 

“If you have not transmitted those results, it means that you have actually not conducted elections under the very law that we all applauded.

 

“So, the right thing for the INEC chairman to do is to cancel the elections,” the PDP vice-presidential candidate stated.

 

On his part, Datti Baba-Ahmed adopted Okowa’s position. “I hereby adopt the submission of my brother, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP,” he said.

 

“Now, we are witnessing the fact that the next government will be built on outright illegality.”

 

The LP vice-presidential candidate warned the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu not to promote illegality, saying he should respect the rule of law.

 

Read full statement:

 

Being the text of the joint press conference by the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Dr Datti Ahmed on Tuesday, 28th of February, 2023 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

 

On Saturday, the 25th of February, 2023, Nigerians from the different parts of our great country braced all manner of challenges to cast their votes for their preferred candidates. And having cast their votes, they are expectantly awaiting the results of the presidential and National Assembly election. We wish to state for the records that last weekend’s election was a sham. It was neither free nor fair. What played out yesterday at the National Collation Center exposes the National Chairman of playing to a predetermined script. Our position remains that the election and transmission of the results must be in tandem with the Electoral Act and the INEC guidelines.

 

There is no doubt that INEC is under a statutory obligation to transmit election results electronically. Paragraph 38 of the INEC manual made pursuant to section 149 of the Electoral Act 2022 and the 1999 constitution as amended provides for this. That paragraph, which deals with the transmission of results at the polling units, is crucial, and it imposes statutory obligations on the part of INEC to upload polling units results on its portal.

 

There is no doubt that polling units results are the pyramid upon which other results are built. Therefore, it is required that the moment polls come to a close and the results are declared, the results must be uploaded on INEC server or portal.

 

Paragraph 38 of INEC Manual 2022 made pursuant to the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and section 149 of of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that: “On completion of all the Polling Unit voting and results procedures, the Presiding Officer shall:

 

(i)              Electronically transmit or transfer the result of the Polling Unit, direct to the collation system as prescribed by the Commission.

 

(ii)            Use the BVAS to upload a scanned copy of the EC8A to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), as prescribed by the Commission.

 

(iii)          Take the BVAS and the original copy of each of the forms in tamper-evident envelope to the Registration Area/Ward Collation Officer, in the company of Security Agents. The Polling Agents may accompany the Presiding Officer to the RA/Ward Collation Centre.” It is mandatory and compulsory. INEC has no option. So, the failure to upload results and follow the procedures set out in paragraph 38 of the manual made pursuant to the Electoral Act 2022, is a fundamental breach that has the potential of rendering the election results that did not follow those procedures null and void.

 

For clarity, Section 64 (4) (a) and (b) of the Electoral Act, 2022 specifically provide thus:

 

“A collation officer or returning officer at an election shall collate and announce the result of an election subject to his or her verification and confirmation that the –

 

(a)   Number of accredited voters stated on the collated result are correct

 

And consistent with the number of accredited voters recorded and transmitted

 

Directly from polling units under section 47 (2) of this Act; and

 

(b)   “votes stated on the collated result are correct and consistent with the votes or results recorded and transmitted directly from Polling Units under Section (60) (4) of this Act”.

 

Consequent on the above Section 60 (4) of the Electoral Act 2022, any result announced by INEC is ultra vires, illegal, and of no consequence unless they are results already transmitted DIRECTLY from the Polling Units. So procedurally, INEC cannot continue to announce results that are yet to be transmitted as expressly stated in the relevant Sections of the Electoral Act.

 

The law Is that where the law has set out the procedures to be followed, that procedures and no other must be followed.

 

The argument that INEC guidelines have no force of law is idle and wayward arguments. This is not even the question of alterations of the results. It is a question of non-compliance with mandatory statutory provisions. The argument that it is only when the Chief Electoral Officer of the Federation announces the winner of the Presidential election that the results can be uploaded on the INE C portal cannot be correct. There must be uploading of results at the polling units after the polling officers had announced the winner at the polling units.

 

Finally, we call on the commission to thread on the path of honour by cancelling the election outright and commence the process of a fresh election that will not only be credible but will be seen to be credible by Nigerians.

(TNT)

64 thoughts on “Okowa, Baba-Ahmed ask INEC to cancel election results

  1. Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  2. Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

  3. This is very fascinating, You are an overly professional blogger. I have joined your feed and look ahead to in the hunt for more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks

  4. you are in point of fact a just right webmaster. The site loading velocity is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a fantastic process in this matter!

  5. I’m not positive where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or understanding more. Thank you for great information I used to be on the lookout for this information for my mission.

  6. Pretty portion of content. I simply stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to claim that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing for your augment or even I achievement you get right of entry to persistently fast.

  7. Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve take into account your stuff prior to and you’re simply too fantastic. I really like what you’ve received here, really like what you’re stating and the way through which you assert it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful site.

  8. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.

  9. Awesome blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!

  10. Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great article.

  11. First off I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing. I have had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Appreciate it!

  12. you are actually a just right webmaster. The web site loading velocity is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a great activity in this topic!

  13. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  14. What i do not realize is if truth be told how you’re not really a lot more well-liked than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You understand therefore significantly on the subject of this topic, produced me personally believe it from so many various angles. Its like men and women aren’t interested unless it’s something to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs great. Always take care of it up!

  15. I blog quite often and I genuinely appreciate your content. This great article has really peaked my interest. I will bookmark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  16. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

  17. To presume from present rumour, follow these tips:

    Look fitted credible sources: https://class99.us/wp-content/pgs/?jennifer-stacy-s-mysterious-disappearance-on-wink.html. It’s eminent to guard that the report outset you are reading is respected and unbiased. Some examples of good sources tabulate BBC, Reuters, and The New York Times. Read multiple sources to pick up a well-rounded sentiment of a particular news event. This can improve you listen to a more over facsimile and keep bias. Be cognizant of the angle the article is coming from, as constant respected news sources can contain bias. Fact-check the information with another origin if a communication article seems too unequalled or unbelievable. Till the end of time fetch inevitable you are reading a advised article, as tidings can change-over quickly.

    By following these tips, you can befit a more aware of rumour reader and better understand the world everywhere you.

  18. I was very happy to discover this web site. I want to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely liked every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to see new stuff on your blog.

  19. Altogether! Declaration expos‚ portals in the UK can be awesome, but there are scads resources available to cure you mark the unmatched the same because you. As I mentioned formerly, conducting an online search with a view https://blog.halon.org.uk/pag/what-is-laura-ingle-s-age-exploring-laura-ingle-s.html “UK news websites” or “British intelligence portals” is a vast starting point. Not no more than will this give you a comprehensive list of report websites, but it will also afford you with a punter understanding of the current hearsay prospect in the UK.
    In the good old days you have a list of future rumour portals, it’s critical to estimate each undivided to determine which best suits your preferences. As an exempli gratia, BBC Intelligence is known quest of its intention reporting of news stories, while The Trustee is known representing its in-depth analysis of bureaucratic and social issues. The Self-governing is known championing its investigative journalism, while The Times is known by reason of its work and investment capital coverage. By understanding these differences, you can decide the news portal that caters to your interests and provides you with the news you want to read.
    Additionally, it’s quality all in all close by news portals representing proper to regions within the UK. These portals provide coverage of events and scoop stories that are akin to the область, which can be firstly cooperative if you’re looking to charge of up with events in your local community. In search exemplar, provincial good copy portals in London contain the Evening Standard and the Londonist, while Manchester Evening Talk and Liverpool Echo are popular in the North West.
    Blanket, there are diverse tidings portals accessible in the UK, and it’s high-ranking to do your digging to find the everybody that suits your needs. Sooner than evaluating the unconventional news broadcast portals based on their coverage, dash, and position statement standpoint, you can choose the one that provides you with the most apposite and captivating low-down stories. Decorous fortunes with your search, and I anticipation this tidings helps you come up with the just right news portal for you!

  20. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your blog. It seems like some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before. Kudos

  21. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  22. I simply could not depart your web site prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard information a person supply for your visitors? Is going to be back incessantly in order to check up on new posts

  23. Great goods from you, man. I’ve bear in mind your stuff prior to and you’re simply too wonderful. I really like what you’ve received here, really like what you’re stating and the best way by which you assert it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great site.

  24. Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, excellent site!

  25. Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve be aware your stuff prior to and you’re simply too fantastic. I really like what you’ve obtained here, really like what you’re stating and the way by which you assert it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great site.

  26. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *