The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has not inspected election materials.

Atiku had headed to the court after losing the February 23 election to incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari.

He had filed an application to compel INEC to grant him access to materials used for the election and the court granted his prayer.

But, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said despite being served with the order, INEC denied Atiku access to the materials.

In his reaction, spokesman of the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the electoral agency will comply with the court directive “if and when the Commission receives the order.

“It is common knowledge that since the declaration of the results of the presidential election, the commission has been busy with the multiple activities associated with the national assembly, governorship, state houses of assembly and federal capital territory elections,” he said.

“Only last Thursday, the Commission presented certificates of return to senators-elect and House of Representatives members-elect; including PDP members.

“Nevertheless, the Commission will comply when the due process is followed.

“But, let me also say this. The PDP needs to show some decorum in the way it composes its press statements.

“The INEC chairman and Commission members deserve some respect.

“The PDP’s frequent use of offensive and abusive words, which secondary school students get to read, very often, is unhelpful.

“It is advisable for every political party to show good examples and a deep sense of responsibility in the way it composes statements for public consumption.”

•Excerpted from a Daily Sun report

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