The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said in a press briefing, it has suspended action on the court ruling ordering the sack of Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, Deputy Governor, Eric Igwe, and 16 other lawmakers.
Current situation
The electoral commission maintains it cannot take a stance on the Governor of Ebonyi State and the other defectors, with the pending multiple court cases.
Brief Background
The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, secured a court order from the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering David Umahi, Eric Igwe and 16 other lawmakers to vacate their positions following their defection to APC. Also, the court ordered PDP to submit to the electoral body names of potential replacement of the affected persons. APC got an interim court order from a state high court in Ebonyi State to stay in office.
What’s they are saying
INEC’s statement on Thursday says that the commission will stay in action until both parties resolve their pending court cases. INEC added it had received 12 court rulings on the matter and therefore cannot act until further notice.
Bottom line
Till INEC declares its judgment on the matter, the affected persons will continue their public service in their respective positions.