INEC yet to decide Rochas Okorocha’s fate, says Okoye

Electoral body altered Rivers guber result in Wike’s favour, group alleges
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said it remains resolute on its decision not to issue Certificate of Return to Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha since he was declared winner under duress.

INEC’s National Commissioner on Voter Education and Publicity, Festus Okoye, said in moving forward, the commission would decide on the matter later.

Okoye, however, declined comments whether a supplementary election would be held on a later date in the affected senatorial district, insisting that a decision would soon be taken on that.

“In moving forward, the commission will take a decision on the matter at a later date. But as things stand, nothing has been decided yet,” he said.

Besides, on whether INEC will declare runner-up to Okorocha winner of the election, Okoye insisted that all matters relating to the controversial poll were being sorted out and a decision will soon be reached.

Okorocha had contested the senatorial election and reportedly won, but the electoral umpire refused to issue him a certificate of return on grounds that the returning officer announced him winner under duress, consequent upon which INEC withheld the certificate.

Meanwhile, a coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Rivers State has accused INEC of altering results of the March 9, 2019 gubernatorial election in favour of Governor Nyesom Wike.

The group, however, noted that the suspension of the exercise was a flagrant violation of Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

Spokesperson of the group, Somina Wokoma, claimed that the electoral process was running smoothly in the state until it was suspended.

Speaking with newsmen yesterday in Port Harcourt, Wokoma urged Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to redeploy the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Obo Effanga and Administrative Secretary, Etim Umoh for allegedly working with Governor Wike.