There was a drama at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Enugu today, when two persons presented themselves to collect the certificate of return for the same Nsukka/Igboeze South federal constituency.
The two persons, Mr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede and Dr. Patrick Asadu, both of them members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have been engulfed in a legal tussle over the party’s candidacy for the election.
Asadu, a member of the House of Representatives, secured a ruling at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja recognizing him as the right candidate for the election.
Ugwuegede, however, appealed the ruling.
The two appeared at the INEC office during the presentation of certificates of return to the Governor-elect and National Assembly members-elect but were denied the certificate.
Each of the candidates pleaded to the National Commissioner of INEC, Dame Gladys Nwafor, to collect the certificate but the commissioner declined.
Presenting the certificates, Nwafor, who is the INEC National Commissioner for Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi states, urged the elected officials to fulfill their campaign promises to the people.
According to her, today is a very unique day for the INEC and the government of Enugu State.
“We are here to give certificates of return to whom the electorate has given the mandate to serve the people.
“It has not been an easy task for both the commission and the contestants. I call it a divine mandate to serve the people.
“Enugu State is one of the most peaceful states and I am happy to be associated with the state,” she said. [myad]
