The Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign has expressed deep concern over reported attempts to manipulate the results of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the February 25 presidential election.
The campaign manager of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against tampering with the election results, stating that such actions would serve sinister motives.
In a tweet posted yesterday, Obaze revealed that intelligence received by the campaign office indicated that INEC was succumbing to pressure to alter the results of certain states, including the FCT, in order to favor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obaze, quoting their source, alleged that INEC was tampering with the voting machines used in the election to manipulate the FCT results and provide the APC candidate with the necessary 25% threshold, which was initially not achieved as per the initial INEC declaration. The ruling APC candidate is currently facing a challenge at the Presidential Election Tribunal regarding this matter.
The statement released by the Obi-Datti Media Office, signed by its Head, Diran Onifade, quoted Obaze as saying, “It’s not clear how the Electoral Commission can brazenly carry out such bizarre action, but given the abracadabra they did to announce the APC candidate winner by 4 a.m., there is nothing to be taken for granted.”
Obaze further warned that INEC and the ruling APC should not underestimate the Nigerian people’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, particularly the Obidient Movement. He cautioned that attempting to tamper with the election results would only exacerbate the wound inflicted on Nigeria’s electorate.
As a retired United Nations diplomat, Obaze reminded INEC that their actions were akin to flogging a dead horse. He emphasized that whether the reports were genuine or false, the commission should be aware that public confidence in their integrity had long been eroded.