Posted by Chinenye on Wed 03rd Jun, 2026 - tori.ng
Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has strongly criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission over the timing and conduct of the 2023 presidential election result announcement, describing the process as deeply questionable.
(Datti Baba-Ahmed. Photo Credit: Wikipedia)
Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has launched a scathing attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), condemning the electoral body for announcing the results of the 2023 presidential election at 4am.
Speaking during an interview with Symfoni, Baba-Ahmed described any electoral umpire that announces results at such an hour as criminal in conduct.
He also turned his criticism toward President Bola Tinubu, whom he accused of shamelessly presiding over a government that he believes was birthed through that questionable process.
He expressed frustration at what he sees as Nigerians' tendency to accept wrongdoing without resistance, pointing out that the INEC chairman had made a public commitment to African leaders including former South African President Thabo Mbeki that results would be announced by 9am, only to make the announcement in the early hours of the morning instead.
He characterised this as an act of deception, likening it to the behaviour of a thief or a crook.
Baba-Ahmed acknowledged that he had done his part to challenge the outcome at the time but lamented that his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
He questioned how anyone could lead a government with confidence knowing the circumstances under which its victory was declared, stating that 4am is the hour of criminals and that an electoral commission that operates in such a manner deserves to be called exactly that.