CURRENT REPORT BLOG the aftermath of the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria has been marked by controversy and discontent, with allegations of irregularities and concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dominating the discourse. Osita Chidoka, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently unleashed a scathing critique of INEC, labeling it a “monumental disgrace” and expressing his deep disappointment as a Nigerian associated with the organization called INEC.
INEC Handling of the 2023 Presidential Election
The 2023 presidential election was a highly anticipated event, and its aftermath has been marked by legal battles and political turmoil. One of the key issues that have come under scrutiny is the manner in which INEC conducted the election and its handling of election results.
Chidoka’s Accusations
Osita Chidoka, a chieftain of the PDP, did not mince words when he criticized INEC’s conduct of the election. He referred to INEC as a “monumental disgrace” and expressed his personal shame at being associated with the organization as a Nigerian citizen. His criticism was centered on INEC’s failure to fulfill its pre-election assurance of real-time transmission of election results to the election portal.
Chidoka’s Disappointment
Chidoka’s disappointment with INEC’s performance is palpable. He lamented the electoral body’s inability to electronically transmit election results in real-time, a promise that was made before the election but was not realized in practice. This failure to uphold their pre-election commitment left many Nigerians questioning the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal’s Ruling
In the wake of the election, the PDP and Peter Obi’s Labour Party (LP) contested the victory of Bola Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in court. One of their primary arguments was that INEC did not carry out real-time transmission of results to the election portal. However, the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) ruled that INEC had the discretion to transmit results in any way it saw fit. The court ultimately dismissed the petition and affirmed Tinubu’s victory.
Implications for Nigerian Democracy
The controversy surrounding INEC’s handling of the 2023 presidential election has raised critical questions about the state of democracy in Nigeria. Chidoka’s outspoken criticism reflects the frustration and disappointment felt by many citizens who expected a more transparent and accountable electoral process.
