CSO gives INEC 20-day ultimatum to publish presidential election results from 2003 to date

GovIndex Leadership Empowerment and Development Foundation, a civil society organisation (CSO), has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a 20-day ultimatum to publish presidential election results from 2003 to date.

The CSO asked the electoral commission to provide the results according to the 774 LGAs of the country.

In a letter dated March 30 addressed to Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the INEC, Udoka Oguekwe, the CSO’s lawyer, said the organisation made the request under the freedom of information (FOI) act and in the public interest.

Oguekwe said INEC would give reasons if it is unable to provide the information requested.

“I request a waiver of all fees for this request as this information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute to public understanding and confidence in the activities of the government in general and the commission in particular,” the lawyer said.

“If you deny this request, please cite each specific exemption under the law that justifies the refusal to release the information.

“I look forward to your reply within 20 work days.”

Meanwhile, the CSO has petitioned the Department of State Service (DSS) against Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation; Bayo Onanuga, media director of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council, and Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

The organisation alleged that the aforementioned people have made statements capable of instigating violence against Igbos.