The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday said that it is taking note and compiling judgments at various electoral tribunals.
The Commission however said that it would not be able to take action now until 21 days on the outcome of tribunal judgments
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye said the law allows the Commission to stay action for 21days as the aggrieved party has 21 days within which to appeal.
The aggrieved candidate he further explained is empowered to remain in the office within the said period.
Okoye who was responding to inquiry from newsmen on some of the tribunal rulings said “The Commission is harvesting, compiling and studying the judgements of the various Tribunals across the country. Some of the Tribunals nullified some elections and ordered reruns in some polling units, electoral wards and constituencies. Some of the Tribunals gave the Commission 30 to 90 days to comply with the judgements.
However, section 143 of the Electoral Act 2010(as amended) obligates the Commission to stay action for 21days as the aggrieved party has 21 Day’s within which to appeal. The aggrieved candidate remains in the office within the said period.
“The Commission will, within the constitutional and electoral framework give effect to the judgements of all the Election Petitions Tribunals.”
He also added that “The Resident Electoral Commissioners are closely monitoring proceedings in all the Tribunals and we have regular updates from our in-house Lawyers and External Solicitors.
“We are committed to our electoral responsibilities and will at all times keep Nigerians informed of our activities.”
