PDP says Buhari jittery over video of INEC official’s comments on server

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to a viral video of a top official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirming the existence of a central election results transmission server.

According to the party, the video has vindicated claims by its candidate in the February 23 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, on the existence and functionality of a server at INEC headquarters.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party claimed the Presidency has been jittery over the video.

Atiku and the PDP have consistently maintained the election results tendered by their lawyers as the authentic figures recorded in the last presidential election were authentic.

In the video, the said INEC official also confirmed the Commission would put the central server to use for the presidential election.

READ ALSO: Keyamo suggests Atiku, PDP are the real cheats in 2019 election

Meanwhile, the director, strategic communications of President Buhari’s 2019 presidential campaign, Festus Keyamo, has asked Nigerians not to be deceived by any video on social media alleging how 2019 presidential election was rigged.

Although Keyamo did not mention any name, he however suggested that the PDP and its candidate, Atiku, were the ‘real cheats’ during the election.

He also warned, in a series of tweets on Thursday that the said video do not align with the electoral act nor do they align with guidelines as stipulated by INEC.

He said, “The video(s) of some INEC official(s) expressing intention to electronically transmit results are only circulated for entertainment. That procedure is neither contained in the Electoral Act nor in INEC’s Guidelines. Courts are only guided by these documents and not such videos.”

However, PDP insists the video interview speaks volumes about the reported denial by INEC of the existence of such a server for the 2019 general elections.

It further said President Muhammadu Buhari’s team has been in a frenzy to distract the presidential election petitions tribunal by externalizing its proceedings.

“This is in addition to the Presidency’s feverish attempt to divert public attention by engaging in judicial interpretations and hauling insults on our party and candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over our determination to retrieve our stolen mandate in the court.

“The lesson for all in the latest episode is in the undying verity that no matter how long falsehood appears to thrive, the truth will always come to light and prevail at the end of the day.

“Instead of this pitiable resort to frenetic and chaotic play to the gallery, the PDP counsels President Buhari and his team to focus on facing the course of justice at the tribunal,” the statement added.

The party advised Buhari and his team to curtail their desperation and respect the sanctity and integrity of the Court of Appeal by ending their externalisation of proceedings, which the PDP said, has been their calculated scheme to distract the court and derail the course of Justice.

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