APC’s Critique of INEC’s Actions in Bayelsa Elections
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised objections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for relocating the collation of election results from Nembe and Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa to Yenagoa.
In a statement, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, expressed concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.
APC’s Allegations: PDP’s Strongholds vs. APC’s Local Government Areas
Morka criticized what he sees as a concerning pattern of moving collation centers from APC strongholds to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa.
He pointed out that, unlike the APC, votes in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongholds are being collated at their respective Local Government Areas. This has raised suspicions about the impartiality of the election process.
Questioning INEC’s Motives: Selective Evacuation of Votes
The APC spokesperson questioned the motive behind the selective evacuation of votes from APC strongholds for collation in Yenagoa.
This move, according to Morka, is deemed unacceptable and highly suspect. While stopping short of accusing INEC of colluding with the PDP, the APC strongly objects to what they perceive as a development that could undermine the credibility of the Bayelsa gubernatorial polls.
Legal Stipulations: APC Urges INEC to Uphold the Law
Highlighting the legal obligations, Morka emphasized that INEC is duty-bound to act in accordance with the law, which stipulates that votes should be collated in the respective Local Government Areas before state-level collation in the state capital.
The APC urged INEC to reverse its decision and adhere to the lawful process of collating results.
Conclusion: APC’s Call for Reversal and Lawful Collation
As the electoral process in Bayelsa faces controversy, the APC calls on INEC to reconsider its decision and ensure that the collation of votes takes place in the designated Local Government Areas, in alignment with legal provisions.
The outcome of this dispute holds implications for the credibility and fairness of the Bayelsa gubernatorial polls.