Why we can’t issue certificate of return to Adeleke – INEC

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who has been declared winner of Osun governorship election by the tribunal, can only be issued a certificate of return if Gboyega Oyetola fails to appeal within 21 days of the judgement.

Osun State governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja had last Friday nullified Oyetola’s election and declared Adeleke winner of the 2018 governorship election.

The tribunal ruled that the September 27, 2018 re-run election in Osun was illegal. It also ordered INEC to immediately issue a fresh certificate of return to Adeleke.

INEC spokesman, Festus Okoye, has debunked rumours of the body issuing a certificate of return to Adeleke.

“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 21 days from the date of the decision to appeal against such a decision.

“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.