Protesters storm INEC, issue 5-day ultimatum to release Okorocha’s Certificate of Return, or else…

The National Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was besieged by a group of aggrieved protesters who called on the electoral body to release the certificate of return of Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha.

The angry protesters also gave INEC up till Monday to release the Certificate of Return of Okorocha, or they would mobilise one million Nigerians to occupy the headquarters of the Commission indefinitely.

In a protest letter issued on Wednesday and signed by Olisaemeka Onyeka, APC South East Zonal Youth Leader and five other youth leaders, the group of protesters said the INEC had no right to hold on to the certificate.

“We are writing this letter to protest against the decision of INEC to withhold the Certificate of Return of the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha, winner of the Imo North Senatorial District.

Read also: Edo group chides Okorocha, urges Ohanaeze to rehabilitate him

“At the concluded National Assembly, the returning officer had declared Govornor Okorocha winner of Imo North Senatorial District after the election on February 23rd and a supplementary election on March 9th.

“It, however, came as a surprise when same commission alleged that the announcement was made under duress.

“Specifically, the returning officer announced Governor Okorocha winner of the National Assembly election in the presence of all security agencies, print and traditional media and INEC’S spokesperson who was also at the venue.

“We again remind the INEC that once declaration was made by an election returning officer, the commission has no right to withhold the winner’s Certificate of Return,” the group said.

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