A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to release the comprehensive results of the 2023 presidential election before his tenure ends. Paul Ibe made this request in a social media post, seeking the disclosure of detailed results from polling units to address ongoing controversies surrounding the election.

The 2023 presidential election, which took place on February 25, saw President Bola Tinubu declared the winner, with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi coming in second and third, respectively. However, the outcome has been disputed, with both Abubakar and Obi challenging the results in court. Despite their efforts, the Supreme Court ultimately dismissed their petitions.

Ibe’s request for the release of comprehensive results aims to put to rest the lingering doubts and allegations of irregularities that have plagued the election. By making the detailed results from polling units public, Ibe believes that the electoral commission can help to resolve the controversies and provide closure on the matter.

The call for transparency comes as the electoral commission prepares for a transition in leadership, with Prof. Yakubu’s tenure coming to an end. The release of comprehensive results would be a significant step towards addressing the concerns of citizens and promoting confidence in the electoral process.

In the social media post, Ibe emphasized the importance of releasing the results, even if they may have been tampered with. He stated that making the results public would be a courageous move by Prof. Yakubu and would help to “permanently rest the ghost of 2023.” The release of comprehensive results would provide a detailed account of the election outcome, from the polling unit level to the final tally.

The 2023 presidential election was a highly contested and closely watched event, both domestically and internationally. The allegations of irregularities and the subsequent court challenges have contributed to ongoing debates about the integrity of the electoral process. By releasing the comprehensive results, the electoral commission can take a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability, and helping to rebuild trust in the democratic process.