The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has told the Nigerian music star, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido that no law says the commission must issue a Certificate of Return within 48 hours.
Davido on his verified Twitter handle queried INEC why it has not issued Certificate of Return to the winner of Osun State governorship election.
The tweet reads, “48hrs after our @AAdeleke_01 victory at the Osun Gubernatorial elections, we are yet to receive our certificate.
“@inecnigeria should we send you fuel money? LOL Please no one should tamper with the will of the Osun People! Issue the certificate as required by Law!
On Saturday, Davido’s Uncle, Senator Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party defeated incumbent Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress.
INEC in a statement issued on Tuesday by National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, stated that it has 14 days to issue Certificate of Return to winner of elections.
He said: “There is no law in place that mandates the Commission to issue a certificate to any candidate within 48 hours.
“The Commission is not a political party and will not be swayed by partisan political interests.
“Section 72 of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that a sealed certificate of return at an election in the prescribed form shall be issued within 14 days to every candidate who has been returned by the Returning Officer in an election under the Act”.
“Those that intervene and play roles in the electoral process should try to have basic knowledge of the constitutive legal instruments that guide and regulate the conduct of elections.
“The commission is a public trust and a creation of the Constitution and the law and must be seen to respond to public demands for transparency and openness.
“The commission will continue to uphold the basic tenets of transparency, openness and inclusivity in the conduct of elections and the delivery of electoral services.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
