The recent call by the All Progressives Congress (APC) urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to halt the inspection of the Nov. 11, 2023, Kogi Governorship Election materials by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has sparked controversy and raised concerns over alleged compromise and misconduct.
The APC spokesperson, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, vehemently expressed dissatisfaction, demanding the removal and discipline of Kogi INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Gabriel Longpet, accusing him of being compromised by the SDP and its candidate.
The party highlighted its objection to INEC’s readiness to permit the legal team of SDP to inspect the election materials, despite purported objections raised earlier before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.
In response, INEC’s Head of Voters Education and Publicity in Kogi, Mr. Haruna Sule, expressed surprise over the APC’s allegations, asserting that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the INEC Headquarters in Abuja and defended the REC’s actions as based on instructions from the headquarters.
The APC’s allegations of compromise and undue influence have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, prompting calls for disciplinary actions and the suspension or redeployment of the REC pending an investigation.
The situation remains tense as both parties stand firm on their positions, with the controversy surrounding the inspection of election materials escalating amid accusations and counter-accusations.
