Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar had earlier rejected the results of the Presidential election held on 23rd February, in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced President Muhammadu Buhari, winner. He has proceeded to the Election Petition Tribunal, where he sought an order by an ex parte motion, to compel INEC to allow him and his party inspect the materials used for the conduct of the election, including the Voters’ Register, among other prayers. The Tribunal granted the order for inspection of the materials but rejected other prayers sought to allow them photocopy and scan documents, as well as conduct forensic analysis of the materials.
In a related development, PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus and other members and supporters of the party marched to INEC Headquarters, in Abuja on Tuesday, 4th March 2019, to decry the discrepancies in the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, including the interference by security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army. He also alleged constant harassment of the party’s leadership by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The group therefore called for a commitment from INEC for a peaceful conduct of the elections of 9th March 2019 and also, for the exercise to be devoid of the involvement of the military.