Why we will not act on tribunal judgments now –INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday said judgments by tribunals would not be acted upon immediately.

According to the commission, no action would be taken until after 21 days on the outcome of tribunal verdicts.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye spoke with newsmen in Abuja.

He added that the law allows the commission to stay action for 21 days as the aggrieved party has that period to appeal.

The deposed candidate, he explained, is empowered to remain in office within the period.

His words: “The commission is harvesting, compiling and studying the judgments 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.

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“Some of the tribunals gave the commission 30 to 90 days to comply with the judgments. However, Section 143 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) obligates the commission to stay action for 21 days as the aggrieved party has 21 days within which to appeal. The aggrieved candidate remains in office within the period.

“The commission will, within the constitutional and electoral framework, give effect to the judgments of all the election petitions tribunals.”

He added: “The Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) 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.”

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