…By Larry John for TDPel Media. The Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign has voiced allegations of potential tampering with the results of the February 25 presidential election for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The campaign manager of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against manipulating the Integrity Voting Results System (IRev) for the FCT.
INEC Accused of Yielding to Pressure
Obaze, in a tweet, stated that intelligence received by the campaign office indicated that INEC was succumbing to pressure to manipulate the results of certain states, including the FCT, in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The alleged motive behind this manipulation would be to ensure that the APC candidate achieves the necessary 25% threshold, which he did not initially secure according to the initial INEC declaration.
This issue is currently being challenged at the Presidential Election Tribunal.
Warning Against Manipulation and Loss of Public Confidence
A statement from the Obi-Datti Media Office, signed by Head Diran Onifade, quoted Obaze’s concerns.
He expressed alarm over reports that INEC may be tampering with the election machines to adjust FCT results in favor of the APC candidate.
Obaze cautioned that such actions could undermine the rule of law and due process, and that the Obidient Movement, as well as the Nigerian electorate in general, would not take these actions lightly.
Raising Concerns over Public Confidence
Obaze, a retired United Nations diplomat, reminded INEC that their attempts to manipulate the election results would be akin to reviving a dead horse.
He emphasized that regardless of the authenticity of the reports, public confidence in the commission has already been significantly eroded.
He warned INEC and the ruling APC that undermining the trust of the Nigerian people could have disastrous consequences and exacerbate the wounds inflicted on the country’s electorate.