The Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign during the recent election on February 25, 2023, has expressed concern over alleged attempts of INEC to manipulate the original results of the Federal Capital Territory for ulterior motives, News About Nigeria reports.
Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, the Manager of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign, issued a warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding any potential interference with the Independent Results Viewing (IRev) system specifically concerning the Federal Capital Territory.
In a tweet on Saturday, Obaze revealed that intelligence received by the Campaign office indicates that INEC is under pressure to manipulate the results of certain states, including the Federal Capital Territory, in order to favor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A statement from the Obi-Datti Media Office, signed by Diran Onifade, the Head of the office, quoted Obaze as follows: “Our source has informed us that INEC is tampering with the election machines to manipulate the FCT results and ensuring that the APC candidate achieves the required 25% threshold, which was initially not met according to INEC’s declaration and is currently being contested at the Presidential election tribunal.”
The statement further expressed bewilderment at how the Electoral Commission could boldly engage in such unusual actions, considering the suspicious circumstances surrounding the early morning announcement of the APC candidate as the winner. It emphasized that nothing can be taken for granted.
Mr. Obaze cautioned that INEC and the ruling APC should not underestimate the Nigerian people’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, as well as the unwavering support of the Obidient Movement. He warned that any attempt to worsen the already open wound inflicted on the Nigerian electorate would be a disastrous move.
As a retired United Nations diplomat, Obaze reminded INEC that their actions would be akin to beating a dead horse. Regardless of the veracity of the reports, the Commission should acknowledge that public confidence in their integrity has long been eroded.
