SDP accuses INEC staff of working for Yahaya Bello, frustrating access to election materials

The Social Democratic Party, SDP has accused a staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC who is identified as Mrs Faith Awushima Kotso of working for Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, which she is frustrating access to election materials as ordered by the Court.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of New Media,
Muri/Sam Campaign Council/SDP, Isaiah Davies and made available to journalists in Lokoja, he called on the National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to intervene and call the errant staff to order.

The statement said, despite the Court served on INEC since Monday in line with the Order of the Court, Barr. Kotso had ensured that she blocked access to the materials even as time was ticking away.

He said: “We are urgently calling on Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), to take immediate action and hold Barrister Faith Kotso accountable in order to protect our democracy.

“Recall that, a court order was served to INEC on Monday, and our team of forensic experts has been in Lokoja ready to commence their work. However, Barister Faith Kotso, the head of the legal department, has been delaying the process, making it difficult for them to access the materials for examination.

“Yesterday, on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, our forensic experts visited the INEC office to initiate their work, but Barister Faith Kotso once again hindered their progress. She demanded that the work should commence today, Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 9am.

“This morning, upon arrival at the INEC office, Barister Faith Kotso claimed that she was unable to send the notice to other stakeholders and required today to communicate to them.

“According to the court order, the 48-hour timeline expired yesterday, November 28, 2023, and INEC has yet to fully comply.

“We question whether Barister Faith Kotso considers herself above the court order or if she has been influenced by the Bello Led administration to disrupt a peaceful democratic process that is already under threat.

“Furthermore, we have received reports that political thugs affiliated with Governor Bello have taken control of the roads leading to the INEC office pretending to be SDP supporters, effectively preventing anyone, including INEC staff in Lokoja, from accessing the premises.

“We urgently call upon Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Defense Staff, and the National Security Adviser to intervene and rescue Kogi State from the clutches of Governor Bello, his political thugs, and associates.

“Mr. President, this is not the democracy that you fought for and were exiled for. You have been granted the privilege to restore the democratic values you so passionately yearned for. We implore you to rescue Kogi State from Governor Bello’s political irresponsibility.”