The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will present certificates of return to the Anambra Governor-elect and Deputy Governor-elect tomorrow, Friday 12th November, 2021 at its State office in Awka.
Making this known in a statement on Thursday, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said the presentation of certificates of return follows the conclusion of the election and as provided for in Section 75 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
Okoye, who noted that the 2021 Anambra State Governorship election was conducted under the most challenging circumstances, said the Commission has never had to grapple with numerous issues ahead of an off-season Governorship election, including attacks on its facilities, withdrawals of critical service providers such as the ad hoc staff and transporters on the eve of the election and the general tension pervading the atmosphere.
He, however, said the Commission is happy the election passed off peacefully, and expressed its gratitude to the security agencies, election duty officials, political parties and candidates, the National Peace Committee under the leadership of our former Head of State, His Excellency, General Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR, religious and community leaders, socio-cultural associations, civil society organisations and the media for the enormous sacrifice and support in ensuring that the election was conducted and peacefully concluded.
In his words, “We look forward to the support of all Nigerians in the forthcoming elections. We will continue to work hard to protect the sanctity of the ballot and to conduct free, fair and credible elections anywhere in Nigeria.
“We remain resolute that only the votes cast by citizens at polling units will determine the outcome of elections”, he said.
