28th April, 2011
The Abuja national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said it is still consulting its lawyers and will announce its final decision on the inconclusive Imo State gubernatorial elections tomorrow.
This was contained in a press release this evening by Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to Professor Attahiru Jega, Chairman of the Commission.
Idowu said in the press release that a final decision on the election will be taken in a meeting of the Commission tomorrow.
He had earlier told P.M.NEWS today that a re-run election will be conducted in the affected local government areas.
The Chief Returning for the Imo State gubernatorial election had declared the polls inconclusive following controversies over whether elections were conducted in about three local governments or not.
This was after results from 23 local governments indicated that the two leading candidates in the election, incumbent Governor Ihedi Ohakim of People Democratic Party, PDP, and Rochas Okorocha of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, are running neck to neck.
The Returning officer had indicated that the Abuja headquarters of INEC will take final decision on the matter.
PM NEWS gathered that supporters of Rochas Okorocha, the APGA candidate, led by Victor Umeh, the Chairman of the party, have since morning besieged INEC office in Owerri asking for the release of the result. But they will have to wait till tomorrow, going the statement released by INEC this evening.
The full statement reads: “In view of the difficulties experienced with the April 26, 2011 governorship and state assembly election in Imo State, which made the Returning Officer to declare the election inconclusive, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has consulted with its lawyers for advice on the next line of action.
“The Commission is scheduled to meet tomorrow, Friday, April 29, 2011 to take a final decision.
“INEC hereby urges everyone concerned to be patient and await further directives, which will be communicated as soon as a decision is taken. The Commission also urges everyone to be peaceful and avoid taking the laws into their hands.
“The Commission, once again, reiterates its resolve to ensure the highest level of integrity and credibility for the electoral process and hereby solicits the cooperation of all stakeholders,â€, the statement concluded.
