Kogiflame
Justice Helpline Foundation has threaten legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission should it go ahead to issue certificate of return to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Candidate in Kabba-Bunu/ Ijumu Federal Constituency.
The Justice Helpline Foundation said it would amount to illegality issuing a certificate of Return to ADC in an election that has been declared inconclusive.
The Publicity Secretary, of the Foundation in a statement signed by Barr. Gbadebo Joel Oni, on Sunday alleged the Resident Electoral Commissioner Kogi State of compromised by some powerful forces in Abuja, warned of legal actions should the certificate of return be issued in an election that has been declared inconclusive.
According to him, the electoral act 2022 and INEC Regulations and Guidelines 2022 are very clear on occasions when the Commission (INEC) can order for supplementary election where elections are deemed not to be concluded in line with the relevant laws.
‘Where the margin of lead between the two leading candidates in an election is NOT in excess of the total number of voters who collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in Polling Units where elections are postponed, voided or not held in line with Sections 24(2 & 3), 47(3) and 51(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Returning Officer shall decline to make a return for the constituency until polls have been conducted in the affected Polling Units and the results collated into the relevant forms for Declaration and Return. This is the Margin of Lead Principle and shall apply wherever necessary in making returns for all elections in accordance with these Regulations and Guidelines’
Justice Helpline Foundation is a Human Rights organizations advocating for social Justice and Social inclusion for the society.
