The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally issued former Governor Rochas Okorocha a certificate of return almost four months after he won the senatorial election in Imo State.
Mr Okorocha was on Tuesday refused accreditation as senator-elect at the inauguration of the ninth National Assembly because of his non-recognition by INEC.
The former governor was declared winner of the February 23 senatorial election in Imo West zone but the returning officer, Innocent Ibeabuchi, said he was forced to make the declaration.
Okorocha then approached the High Court seeking an order compelling INEC to issue him a certificate of return.
In response, the commission refused to issue him one, saying it was reviewing the situation.
The former governor also accused his estranged party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of working with the electoral body to frustrate his senatorial ambition.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court on Friday directed INEC to issue him with the certificate.
The judge described the commission’s refusal to recognise his election as “lawlessness and a complete nullity.”
Justice Abang said INEC had no power to act as it did. He said such an action implied the creation of new laws by INEC.
Okorocha received the certificate on Tuesday after the election of Senators Ahmed Lawan and Ovie Omo-Agege as Senate president and deputy president respectively.
