PDP Agent Claims INEC Official Altered Election Results On Official Sheet
A tense situation unfolded during the collation of election results as a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) agent accused an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official of recording incorrect figures on the official result sheet. The allegation, which has sparked widespread debate and concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, underscores the challenges of ensuring transparency in Nigeria’s elections.
The accusation occurred during the collation of results in a tightly contested election, where tensions were already running high. The PDP agent alleged that the figures being entered by the INEC official did not correspond to the data collated from polling units. According to the party agent, discrepancies in the recorded results could significantly alter the outcome of the election, thereby undermining the will of the electorate.
“This is not what we agreed upon at the polling units. The figures are being altered, and we cannot accept this,” the PDP agent declared, addressing the collation center officials.
The agent further insisted that the discrepancies be investigated immediately and called for the correct results to be entered to preserve the credibility of the electoral process.
In response to the accusation, the INEC official involved denied any wrongdoing, stating that the figures were accurate and reflective of the collated results submitted from the polling units. The official urged the PDP agent to submit a formal complaint through the proper channels if they believed an error had occurred.
INEC later released a statement, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The commission reassured the public that any claims of discrepancies would be thoroughly investigated.
“We are aware of the concerns raised by party agents and take these matters seriously. Our processes are designed to ensure that all results accurately reflect the will of the people. Any grievances should be addressed through the established procedures,” the statement read.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from political parties, election observers, and the general public. Some stakeholders have called for calm and urged all parties to allow INEC to investigate the claims. Others have criticized the commission for what they perceive as a recurring issue in the electoral process, demanding stricter oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Election observers present at the collation center noted that tensions were high and emphasized the need for greater transparency in result collation to avoid further controversies.
“Incidents like this highlight the importance of having clear and verifiable processes in place,” said an observer from a local monitoring group. “INEC must ensure that any concerns raised are addressed swiftly and fairly to maintain public trust.”
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