The Campaign Manager of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, has expressed serious concerns regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) potentially tampering with the election results in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mr. Obaze took to Twitter to share alarming information received by the campaign office, suggesting that INEC might succumb to external pressure and attempt to manipulate the outcome in certain states, including the FCT, in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, sources have disclosed that INEC is allegedly interfering with the election machines used during the February 25, 2023 election, with the aim of adjusting the FCT results to ensure that the APC candidate achieves the crucial 25% vote share. This comes in response to the initial INEC declaration, which indicated that the APC candidate fell short of this threshold, and subsequently led to a challenge at the Presidential Election Tribunal.
“It is not clear how the Electoral Commission can brazenly carry out such bizarre action but considering the dubiousness surrounding the announcement of the APC Candidate winner by 4 a.m., there is nothing to be taken for granted,” Mr. Obaze, said.
Furthermore, Mr. Obaze cautioned that both INEC and the ruling APC may be underestimating the Nigerian people’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law and due process. He emphasized that any attempt to exacerbate the grievances of the Nigerian electorate would be a catastrophic mistake.
Drawing on his experience as a former United Nations diplomat, Mr. Obaze highlighted that INEC’s actions resemble futile attempts to revive a lost cause. Regardless of the authenticity of the reports, it is crucial for the commission to recognize that public confidence in their integrity has long been eroded.
Mr Oseloka statement concludes with a plea for INEC to reflect on the potential consequences of undermining the trust of the Nigerian people.