The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a response to the Labour Party’s demand for the dismissal of its chairman, Yakubu Mahmood, and a forensic audit of the commission’s expenditure related to the 2023 presidential election.

INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, dismissed the opposition party’s demands as both “illogical and ridiculous.”

Oyekanmi expressed surprise that the Labour Party, which is currently in court challenging the election outcome, would openly discuss the matter at a press conference, knowing that it is subjudice.

He emphasized that INEC accredited both local and international election observers, who were bound by specific rules and regulations, including submitting reports to the commission.

Oyekanmi clarified that election observers’ role is to observe and make recommendations, but not to indict INEC.

INEC further stated that it is not within the jurisdiction of the Labour Party to demand the dismissal and prosecution of the INEC Chairman based on the election outcome in which the party itself fielded candidates.

They also highlighted that the Labour Party had achieved electoral success in the same 2023 general election, securing positions such as state governor, senators, representatives, and members of state Houses of Assembly.

The commission urged the Labour Party to adhere to the rules and regulations governing political parties’ conduct and to refrain from openly advocating issues currently before the court.

INEC emphasized that the party should focus on activities permitted within the framework of political party regulations.