We Won’t Issue Certificate of Return To Governor Rochas Okorocha -INEC

INEC is insisting that there will be no certificates of return issued to candidates that were declared winner by INEC officials under duress.

INEC said the certificates would be given out only if there is a court judgement to that effect or if an election petitions tribunal sanctions it.

Speaking via Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC 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.”