The Labour Party expressed initial dissatisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for withholding documents that would support their case against Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Despite multiple visits to Abuja and clear statements from INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, asserting the commission’s transparency, the Labour Party faced obstacles in obtaining the requested documents. Following a recent court hearing, a Labour Party lawyer named SAN Emeka Okpoko addressed the media, alleging that INEC had tampered with the EC8A forms provided to them.
According to the lawyer, the certified true copies of the EC8A forms were obtained directly from the Electoral Commission, and they possess the original documents. The lawyer expressed surprise and bewilderment that INEC is now denying the existence of such documents. He emphasized that the Labour Party is fully prepared to defend their position against INEC’s objections.
The lawyer conveyed his astonishment at INEC’s actions, stating that the party was shocked by the commission’s attack on the EC8A forms, which were provided to them by INEC itself. He emphasized the significance of certification, explaining that when a document is certified, it implies that the certifying party possesses the original and is presenting a verified copy. In this case, the Labour Party lawyer firmly asserted that INEC’s objection to the forms is unfounded.
Despite the initial challenges faced in obtaining the necessary documents, the Labour Party remains resolute in its determination to confront INEC’s objections. The party’s lawyer affirmed their readiness to confront any further obstacles and defend their position. The discrepancy between the Labour Party’s possession of certified copies and INEC’s denial of the existence of these documents continues to raise questions and generate controversy surrounding the case.
