The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it can
issue a certificate of return to Sen Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) only if the embattled governor of Osun State,
Gboyega Oyetola fails to appeal the judgment of the tribunal that sacked
him within 21 days.
You will recall that the Osun State governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja had last week Friday nullified
the election of Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and
declared Adeleke winner of the 2018 gubernatorial election.
Justice Peter Obiora who delivered the majority judgment of the
tribunal ordered INEC to immediately issue a fresh certificate of return
to Adeleke as the lawful and validly elected governor of Osun State,
after declaring the September 27, 2018 re-run election as illegal.
However, rumours went round the social media with pictures suggesting INEC issued a certificate of return to Adeleke.
Reacting, INEC National Commissioner and chairman, Information and
Voter Education Committee, Barr Festus Okoye debunked the rumours.
“The commission has not issued any new certificate in relation to Osun State.
“Section 143(1) of the Electoral Act gives a candidate whose election
is set aside a period of 21days from the date of the decision to appeal
against such a decision,” Okoye said while explaining why the
commission can’t issue a certificate of return to Adeleke.
“The person is entitled to remain in office pending the determination
of the appeal. The commission will only issue the certificate if appeal
is not lodged within 21 days. The commission has not issued any new
certificate in relation to Osun State,” Okoye told Leadership newspaper.
