The All Progressives Congress (APC) has made a fervent appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately cease the planned inspection of the Kogi gubernatorial election materials, scheduled for November 11, 2023, by the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Moreover, the party has vehemently demanded the removal and disciplining of Dr. Gabriel Longpet, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Kogi State.
In a compelling statement issued by Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, the Spokesperson/Director of Media and Publicity, APC Campaign Council, grave allegations were leveled against the REC, accusing him of being extensively compromised by the SDP and its candidate. The party expressed disdain towards INEC’s readiness to permit SDP’s legal team to scrutinize the election materials, blatantly disregarding a purported preliminary objection raised by APC’s counsels before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.
“We hereby urge the Chairman and Management of INEC to promptly suspend any impending inspection of the electoral materials used in the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Kogi, pending the resolution of the Motion on Notice filed by INEC and others to nullify the Order of inspection,” declared the party in its statement.
Furthermore, APC fiercely advocated for disciplinary measures to be initiated against Dr. Longpet, the REC, contending that his unequivocal favoritism towards the SDP and its candidate had tainted the integrity and legal standing of INEC. The party unreservedly insisted on the suspension or redeployment of the REC from Kogi pending the culmination of the disciplinary proceedings against him.
This fervent plea from the APC presents a critical juncture in the aftermath of the Kogi gubernatorial election, underscoring the fierce contestation and tumultuous dynamics at play in the political landscape. As the tussle ensues, the fate of the election materials and the pivotal role of the REC have become the focal point of a gripping power struggle, amplifying the significance of vigilance and transparency in the electoral process.
