INEC debunks allegations of working for PDP

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rubbished the claims by the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) that it was working for the opposition party.

Besides, INEC said the exclusion of APC Zamfara was purely a judicial matter and not a decision of the commission.

Reacting to the allegations raised by APC, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman said there was no true in the allegations.

Oyekanmi stressed that the Commission is not a political party and does not have a candidate for the forthcoming general elections.

He further stated that the commission responsibility is to provide a level playing field for all registered political parties and also conduct a free, fair and transparent election.

He stated, “It is not true that the Independent National Electoral Commission is working hand in gloves with any political party to do the wrong things. The issue of Zamfara and Rivers are well known. In the case of Zamfara, the Commission had written to the APC leadership to notify it that, due to its inability to conduct its primaries in Zamfara State within the stipulated time as required by law, the party cannot field candidates for the governorship election. Thereafter, two cases were instituted in court resulting in two rulings which were delivered the same day. The Commission then adopted one of the rulings.

“In the case of Rivers, it was the Supreme Court that took a final decision on the fate of APC. Therefore, both cases were purely judicial and INEC, being a law abiding institution, will always obey court orders/judgment.

“The Commission is not a political party and does not have a candidate for the forthcoming general elections. Our duty is to provide a level playing field for all registered political parties and ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.”