Following the Court of Appeal ruling that sacked Senate Minority Chief Whip, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, from the upper legislative chamber, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in compliance with the court’s verdict, has issued a certificate of return to Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd.) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Senator-elect for the Abia Central Senatorial District.
Akobundu received the certificate at the electoral umpire’s office in Abuja on Monday, much to the excitement of his supporters.
As reported by MUK TV, it would be recalled that the appellate court had ordered INEC to withdraw the certificate of return earlier issued to Nwokocha after nullifying his election and declaring Akobundu as the winner of the February 25 senatorial polls in Abia Central.
This latest development puts an end to the online speculation that the court’s ruling had been reversed.
Sources at the Senate have told this medium that Akobundu could be sworn in by the Senate President, Godwill Akpabio, next time.
When sworn in, the retired military officer will become the first Senator for Abia Central from Ikwuano.
