The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it will issue a certificate of return to Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha only if directed by the court.
Festus Okoye, chairman of INEC information and voter education committee, made the disclosure at a press conference in Abuja.
The electoral umpire withheld Okorocha’s certificate because Francis Ibeawuchi, returning officer for Imo west senatorial election, claimed he declared Okorocha winner of the election under duress.
But the Imo State governor sued INEC, insisting it has no power to withhold his certificate of return.
Okoye said: “The position of the commission has not changed. The position of the commission is that we will not issue certificate of return to Governor Rochas Okorocha in relation to the senatorial election.
“Since the matter is already in court, the best thing to do is not to prejudge the matter that is in court, but to allow the judicial processes to run through.
“If at the end of the day, the court gives an order that we should give him his certificate of return, of course, the commission will obey such a court order.
“If on the other hand, the court takes a different position and makes other consequential orders in relation to the conduct of the elections in Imo West, we will also comply with whatever order the court gives.
“As of today, the matter is pending in court, the best thing to do is to wait for the outcome of the judicial process.”
Leave a Reply