The Peoples Democratic Party has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately issue certificates of return to its governorship and deputy governorship nominees, Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu respectively.
The opposition party, in a statement by its national publicity secretary, said it was making the request based on the refusal of Justice Iyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to grant a stay its ruling ordering the removal of Ebonyi Governor Dave Umahi, his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, and 16 lawmakers in the statehouse of assembly.
The opposition party said, “INEC, under the provision of Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), is bound to issue Certificates of Return immediately to Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.”
In this regard, the PDP also demands that the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, upon the issuance of Certificates of Return by INEC proceed to swear in Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.
This is necessary to prevent the existence of vacuum in the government and governance of Ebonyi State as Messers Umahi and Igwe can no longer exercise the functions of the office of Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State under the Order of the Federal High Court which removed them from office on March 8, 2022, and the subsequent Order of the Federal High Court today, which refused their application for Stay of Execution.
The PDP commends the judiciary for its courage in defending the Constitution as well as the will of the people of Ebonyi State as expressed in their votes for the PDP in the 2019 governorship election.
“Our Party also congratulates the people of Ebonyi State for the restoration of their mandate and urged them to remain united under the PDP as we forge ahead in our mission to Rescue and Rebuild our country from the rudderless APC administration.”
