The Independent National Electoral Commission has denied claims by the Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha that it is colluding with the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole to deny him his certificate of Return, after being duly elected by his senatorial district.
The National Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who made the clarification in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi said while it would not join issues with the embattled Governor, it was unfair for him to allege that he was colluding with the APC chairman to persecute him.
The INEC chairman also said since Okorocha had taken the matter to court, he should allow the courts to decide the outcome of the matter.
“INEC does not like joining issues with either political parties or their candidates. Our position on the Imo West senatorial issue is very clear.
“Our position is that we will not reward bad behavior. People should have conscience. It is very interesting that people will do what is wrong and still come out to accuse the other party that is innocent.
“In other words, we have said we are not going to reward bad behavior and we are not going to join issues.
“But the fact is, the INEC chairman does not, and can never, collude with the chairman of any political party to persecute anybody. Not at all! We took decision on that matter independently.
“In any case, this person you have just spoken about (Okorocha) has just gone to court. If you go to court, why don’t you allow the legal processes to run its full course?
