Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide “the required materials and access” to the party’s legal team challenging the presidential poll.

As earlier reported, the court of appeal granted leave to Obi to have access to all the sensitive materials used by INEC for the election.

Commenting on the development on Friday, Obi said the February 25 poll was “conducted in gross deviation of the agreed rules and regulations”.

The LP presidential candidate said the exercise was manipulated and aimed at suppressing the will of Nigerians. 

“What INEC did with the WILL OF NIGERIANS on the 25th of February is even far more troubling. It will only serve to exacerbate our sad situation, the frustration of the people and the deterioration of the country,” Obi wrote in a Twitter thread.

“As we are directed to go to court, we call on INEC to provide all the required materials and access to our legal and technical teams to do their job. INEC should not be a hindrance to the efforts to get justice for a New Nigeria!

“History has taught us that the destruction of a society can be gradual or sudden through deliberate manipulation of the rule of law and suppression of the will of the people.”

Obi called on his supporters in the 28 states where elections will be conducted on Saturday to vote for candidates of the LP to enjoy “a better future of unlimited opportunities”.

“I am especially gratified by the fact that many of you were voting for the first time, and you have demonstrated without question your capacity to shape your country and its destiny. I salute your courage, resilience and resolve,” he said.

“We are undaunted and remain resolutely committed to the fight for a New Nigeria as it is an idea whose time has come. Datti Baba-Ahmed and I, therefore, implore you, my dear brothers and sisters, that March 18th is another day and opportunity to birth a New Nigeria.

“The Governors and State House of Assembly members will be elected, and I urge you all to use the same burning passion and commitment to troop out and vote for Labour Party- the character and competence you can trust.

“Vote for a new set of dynamic and people-oriented leaders to birth a New Nigeria. We have the patriotism, love, unity and power to defeat the forces of division and prejudice as they represent a brand of politics that has expired and cannot take us into the future.”

The Cable