The Imo North Political Leaders Forum (INPLF) has faulted a call by a Coalition of Civil Society Organisation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to Senator Ben Uwajumogu, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the National Secretary of the forum, Regis Uwakwe, asked INEC to ignore the call and ultimatum, describing it as a threat to democracy.
He said they were aware that two unregistered organisations claiming to represent a coalition of Civil Society Organisations, namely ‘Conscience Nigeria’ and ‘Stand Up Nigeria’ have issues a 24-hour ultimatum to INEC mandating it to issue a certificate of Return to Senator Ben Uwajumogu as senator-elect.
They also urged INEC to declare the authentic and comprehensive result of the Senatorial election held on February 23rd and 9th March, which they claimed was won by the PDP candidate, Hon. Patrick Ndubueze.
They stated that the delay in the announcement of the result could lead to breakdown of law and order, as those who voted in the election already know the result and are becoming restive.
The forum however commended INEC for setting up a national committee on Imo North senatorial election to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of allegations of misconduct and compliance with INEC procedure.
They also urged the security agencies to prosecute the Returning Officer, Prof. Donatus Ohajianya, who was alleged to have attempted to announce a fake result during the collation processes.
