NIGERIA’S Labour Party denounced the country’s presidential elections, claiming on Wednesday that the poll had not been “transparent, free and fair.”

The election was won by Bola Tinubu from the ruling All Progressives Congress Party who became the first person chosen to lead Africa’s most populous country with less than 50 per cent of the vote when he polled 37 per cent. 

In second place was Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party with 29 per cent, followed by Peter Obi of the Labour Party on 25 per cent.

But on Wednesday the Labour Party denounced the elections.

At a press briefing, Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed gave examples of violence and voter intimidation saying the election was conducted “in clear violation of agreed and promised INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) rules and guidelines.”

Dr Baba-Ahmed said: “It is our position that the purported results did not meet the minimum criteria of a transparent, free and fair election. 

“In addition to the most condemnable attacks, violence, voter intimidation and suppression, the election was conducted in clear violation of agreed and promised INEC rules and guidelines.

“While painful, we implore you all to please remain peaceful and calm as our fight and determination for a new Nigeria is just beginning.”

Civil Society Organisations and members of the Labour Party held a demonstration on Wednesday to condemn the work of the INEC, holding up placards reading: “Cancel the 2023 general elections now” and “save our democracy.”

The parties now have three weeks to appeal the results of the election. 

But an election can only be invalidated if it’s proven that the national electoral body failed to follow the law and acted in ways that could have changed the result.

Mr Tinubu is scheduled to take office on May 29.