Labour Party in Ondo State has expressed shock at
the reluctance, refusal of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC)
returning officer to declare the winner of the Bye- election into Ilaje, Ese-
Ondo Federal Constituency.
It is instructive to note that the election took
place and returns were made in 21 out of 22 wards that made up the Federal
Constituency. The returning officer's duty is to collate the lawful votes from
various units and wards, and declare the candidate that scored majority of
lawful votes.
The election tribunal, which was constituted by the
President of the Court of Appeal has the sole responsibility and duty to
determine any complaint of irregularity or compliance, or non - compliance with
the law.
The use of the word "inconclusive"
introduced by the returning officer to abort the will of the people will not be
applicable in this case because the only conditions for declaration is
that, the candidate must score majority of lawful votes; which has been
satisfied in this case.
The introduction of the word
"inconclusive" could only be applicable where there are additional
requirement of spread before a winner can be declared as it required in the
Presidential and governorship elections.
The reluctance or refusal of the returning officer
to declare or announce the obvious winner of the election constitute grave
danger to our democracy.
The labour party here by call on the returning
officer and INEC leadership to declare the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr.
Kolade Akinjo who scored majority of lawful votes from the collated results.
SIGNED.
Chief Dele Akinyele
Acting Chairman,
Labour Party
Ondo State.
It is apparent that Inec cannot conduct free and fair election in Nigeria. This portend danger to our fake democracy. sound and Ekiti people must take note and watch their vote.
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