In compliance with the Order given by Justice O.E. Abang of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division on Monday June 27, 2016 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursdday issued a Certificate of Return to Dr Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah, as the rightful winner of the 2015 Abia State gubernatorial election, conducted by INEC on April 11, 2015.
According to a certified true copy of the judgment signed by the Court Registrar, Mr. Olawale M. Oladoyin (dated 27th June 2016) and served on INEC, Justice Abang specifically ordered: “Independent National Electoral Commission, the 3rd Defendant herein is hereby ordered forthwith to issue Certificate of Return to the Plaintiff, Dr Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah as Governor of Abia State, for the election held on 11th April, 2015 and restore all entitlements to him as the elected Governor of Abia State. Dr Okezie Ikpeasu is hereby ordered to vacate office as Governor of Abia State.”
To that extent and as a law-abiding institution, INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of the South East, Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku handed the Certificate of Return over to Dr Sampson Ogah on Thursday.