By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wednesday in Abakaliki, lambasted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following its demand for the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its nominees to replace the elected Governor of the state, Engr David Umahi and his Deputy, Barr Eric Igwe.
Briefing journalists, the APC Chairman in the state, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, described as the foolishness of the highest order by the Ebonyi PDP members for demanding a Certificate of Return from INEC for their purported candidates for an election their nominees never participated, because of the ruling by Abuja Federal High Court in the recent time.
He noted that "the Constitution of Nigeria Section 285(13) and the amended electoral laws both 2010 and 2022 including all known cases of both Appeal and Supreme Court decisions, already made it clear that y cannot benefit or sue or be used for an election you did not participate as a candidate(s)."
The Chairman further described the demand for the Certificate of Return by PDP for their candidates as a funny and childish, accusing the opposition party in the state of having no regard for the court order.
"It is therefore very funny and childish for PDP to be requesting for Certificate of Return from INEC even without regards to the Abakaliki court order which is a judgement in REM on the seat of the Governor and Deputy of Ebonyi State," he said.
He warned Ebonyi PDP to desist from deceiving herself and the general public knowing very well that the said judgement have been appealed and notice of appeal and stay of execution served on PDP.
Emegha said that the APC has been fully aware of those behind the crises and cases against the state government including the insecurity in the state since Governor Umahi defected from PDP to APC.
He, however, declared that the APC would 'deal decisively with anyone who leaves his Facebook foolishness in the name of being nominated as a candidate and steps Ebonyi State to further their crisis and insecurity.'
He said that the Ebonyi State government remains 'stable' as according to him, "all projects and programmes are ongoing and will never stop" urging the residents of the state to be calm and vigilant with the assurance that justice is already at hand."
