The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has explained why it is yet to issue the Imo state governor-elect, Hope Uzodinma, his certificate of return.
On Monday January 14th, the Supreme Court in a unanimous judgement by 7 justices led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Tanko, annulled the election of Emeka Ihedioha as the governor of Imo state and declared Hope Uzodinma of the APC the winner of the March 9th state governorship election. The apex court ordered INEC to immediately withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Ihedioha and issue a fresh one to Uzodinma.
However, 15-hours after the court judgement, the electoral commission is yet to effect the order.
Speaking with journalist in Abuja this afternoon, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the commission is yet to receive the order from the apex court and once it receives it, it will immediately issue Uzodinma his Certificate of Return.
“Dear colleagues, please be informed that the commission is yet to be served with the enrolled order of the Supreme Court judgement. Therefore, we cannot issue the Certificate of Return to the APC candidate yet. However, once the commission receives the enrolled order, the CoR will be issued.”
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