Attahiru Jega
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, has dismissed the claim by Femi Fani-Kayode that President Goodluck Jonathan is leading in Saturday’s election in 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
Mr. Fani-Kayode is the Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign. “As we speak now, we are winning in 23 states and we have 64 per cent while the APC is winning in14 states and has 36 per cent,” Mr. Fani-Kayode said on Sunday without any evidence.
Addressing journalists at the International Conference Centre, the venue for collation of presidential election results, Mr. Jega dismissed Mr. Fani-Kayode’s claim.
He said results had only been collated in two states, including Ekiti State, adding that, “except more states have finished collation while we are in this hall. You will have to direct the question to the person who said that (claim of victory in 23 states)...And I think you should be careful of such information from people that are partisan,” Mr. Jega said.
He also warned against unofficial announcement of results. “Only INEC can declare winners,” he said.
On the reports of irregularities, protest and violence rocking Rivers State, the INEC Chairman said he received a petition from the All Progressives Congress, calling for cancellation and rescheduling of elections in Rivers State.
He also confirmed that he received reports of the irregularities and violence, including torching of INEC office in the state. The chairman said the electoral agency would “do its best to thoroughly investigate the reports” even though the commission had not received “specific” information in respect of the such allegations as substitution of ad hoc staff.
“The commission has not taken decision,” he said, adding that the decision on Rivers State will be communicated after “thorough investigation.”
While noting imperfections in the presidential and National Assembly elections, Mr. Jega said his agency had done its best to ensure the election was free and fair.
He also dismissed speculations that the elections may be declared inconclusive, saying he was not under pressure to do so.
Credit: saharareporters.com/
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