INEC to Issue Certificates of Return to Govs-elect, State Assembly Members-elect Wednesday

* Yakubu denies ownership of property attacked in viral video

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that Certificates of Return would be issued to the governors-elect, their deputies and state assembly members-elect on Wednesday and Thursday next week.

This is coming as the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has denied ownership of the property attacked by some youths in a video clip circulating on social media.

The commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, in a statement issued yesterday said specific dates for the issuance of the certificates would be communicated to those elected by the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs)  and Administrative Secretaries of the various states.

He said: “By the provisions of Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the commission is mandated to issue a certificate of return within 14 days to every candidate who has been returned elected under the law.

“Pursuant to the above provision, the commission has fixed Wednesday, 29th, Thursday, 30th and Friday, 31st March 2023 for the issuance of certificates of return to governors and deputy governors-elect as well as state assembly members-elect. The presentation will take place in INEC offices in each state of the federation.”

Meanwhile, INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has denied ownership of the property attacked by some youths in a video clip circulating on social media.
Angry youths who spoke largely in Hausa language, were seen in the video trooping into the building clutching sticks.
However, Yakubu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, yesterday said he does not own the property in question in either Bauchi or anywhere else around the world.

He said: “The property being purportedly attacked by some youths in a video clip circulating on the social media does not belong to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

“The INEC chairman does not own the property in question in either Bauchi or anywhere else around the world.
“This narrative is indeed the latest in the series of desperate smear campaign efforts by mischief makers. The public should disregard it.”