INEC Declines Cancellation Of Rivers, Akwa-Ibom Polls, Advises Aggrieved Parties To Go Tribunal

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, Nigeria 2015 Election Wednesday, April 15th, 2015

From Ganiyu Nasirudeen – The back door victory declared for the winners of last Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly Elections in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States will have to stand until the aggrieved persons approach the court, just as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declares it lacks constitutional right to cancel polls which it has announced the results.

Last weekend polls in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states have drawn many condemnations from residents and politicians as well as the international observers.

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said Tuesday that the petition requesting for cancellation of the results after formal declaration did not align with the country’s electoral act.

Instead of this, Mr. Idowu specified that it was only the election Petition tribunals that could order or cancel the elections, pledging that the Commission would advise the petitioners who wish to go to the court.

AFRICAN EXAMINER on Monday published extensively, the preliminary findings and reports of the European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria, admitting many flaws described as “severe problems” which widely featured in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States’ Governorship polls, hence called for comprehensive probe.

The PDP candidates were declared winners in the two States.

In the meantime, Rivers State APC Governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said beside his party’s petition, he would meet and consult widely with leaders of his party to determine the next line of action.