INEC challenges Court ruling
By
Jun 4, 2003, 20:41

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 3 June challenged a High Court ruling, which compelled the Commission to declare Adolphus Wabara winner of the disputed 12 April senatorial election for Abia South Senatorial District.

On 30 May and 2 June, Justice Wilson Egbo-Egbo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered INEC to present a Certificate of Return to Adolphus Wabara as the duly elected Senator.

Although the Commission complied with the High Court order, it is now seeking to overturn the order. According to INEC, the order violates both the Electoral Act and the stipulations of the Constitution on due process.

Meanwhile, an Election Tribunal in Abia State is hearing Wabara’s petition over his loss in the 12 April election.
INEC spokesman, Okpo Sam Okpo, explained that even though the Commission issued the Certificate of Return to Wabara as ordered by the Court, it still reserves the right to challenge the ruling.

Wabara was, on 3 June, elected Senate President when the new National Assembly was inaugurated.

Meanwhile, the Senate, from 4 June, will embark on a three-week recess. The recess is to enable contractors handling the renovation of the legislative quarters and offices to carry out a thorough job.

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