Less than 14 days to the off-cycle elections in three states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is still at the mercy of the court in Imo and Bayelsa states.

The polls will hold on November 11 in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.

But two outstanding cases in Bayelsa and Imo states have created anxiety for political parties and propped up last-minute logistic challenges for INEC on the printing of ballot papers.

Following a court order on the inclusion of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the poll in Imo State, INEC has had to destroy 2.4 million ballot papers.

The ballot papers were printed a month ago and kept with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

It was learnt that a case on the last governorship election in Imo State was still pending before the Supreme Court.

It could not be immediately ascertained if the apex court will deliver its judgment on or before November 11.

In Bayelsa State, INEC is still awaiting the decision of the Court of Appeal on the fate of the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva.

A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “INEC is set for the off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states, but the commission is at the mercy of court decisions.

“For instance, INEC had to destroy about 2.4 million ballot papers in order to abide by a court judgment which directed it to include the PRP governorship candidate in Imo State.

“INEC had a month ago printed and kept the ballot papers for Imo Governorship Election with the CBN. Imagine the loss to the nation with the destruction of the ballot papers.

“Again, there is an outstanding case in the Supreme Court on the last governorship poll in the state.

“Concerning Bayelsa State, INEC is waiting for the verdict of the Court of Appeal on APC candidate, Timipre Sylva, to wrap up its final preparations.

“In obedience to the order of a High Court, Sylva was removed from the list of governorship candidates pending the final judgment of the court.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “Unless there are new amendments to the Electoral Act, INEC will continue to be on the edge.

“Most of the cases involving INEC arise from pre-election matters of parties, including eligibility of candidates and the conduct of party primaries.

“We are handicapped; we have to obey court orders.”

Last week, while defending the credibility of the 2023 elections, INEC, in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, indicted parties and their members for resorting to litigations.

It said: “It is pertinent to note that the grounds for challenging the outcome of an election as provided in Section 134 of the Electoral Act, 2022 are not limited to the conduct of election by the commission.

“An election may be questioned on the grounds that the winner of the election was not qualified to contest the election by virtue of his academic qualifications, age, etc. (The Nation)

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