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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday cleared the air on its decision to withhold certificates of return of Imo Governor, Rochas Okorocha, and three others.
INEC National Electoral Commissioner, Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday, that the electoral agency only issues certificates to people who genuinely won elections.
He said INEC’s decision “does not amount to shifting goal post at the middle of a match.
“Issuance of certificates of return is a statutory function of INEC; it is only issued to those who won election and must be done through the free will of a returning officer.
“In the case of Imo West senatorial district, where Okorocha contested, the Otu-Opi Federal Constituency in Benue, Agayi State Constituency and another in Akwa Ibom; what INEC is saying is that you can’t engage in bad electoral behaviour and expect INEC to reward you with a certificate.
“Our certificate is only for those who won freely.”
Okoye said the Commission has the right not to issue certificates to such persons as it would amount to abnormality.
He said INEC action is not targeted at the voters who voted people of their choice, but to address excesses of those who wanted to use unconventional means to win elections.
“Once we have such case, INEC will not issue certificate, but ensure that the right thing is done,” he said.
He said at the moment, contenders of the positions in all the four affected areas are in court and added that INEC is awaiting the outcome of the pending matters.
Okoye said if the court orders INEC to issue certificates of return to the people involved, it would do same.
He said if a consequential order is made directing INEC to conduct fresh election in the areas, the Commission would do same.
