Court cases won't stop Adamawa gov election - INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said that pending
suits connected with the Adamawa State governorship seat will not
deter it from ensuring that another governor was elected for the
state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, told
our correspondent on Thursday that the constitutional provisions
mandating the electoral body to conduct the a bye-election within a
stipulated period, were superior to the yet-to-be argued suits.

Murtala Nyako, who was removed as the state's governor by the state
House of Assembly on July 15 is in court seeking an order declaring
his removal from office as null and void.

His erstwhile deputy, Bala Ngilari, has also denied resigning from
office, and had filed a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja,
seeking an order declaring his letter of resignation null and void.
In addition to seeking an order compelling his inauguration as
governor, Ngilari is seeking a separate order restraining INEC from
going ahead with the election pending the hearing and determination of
his suit.

INEC was absent from court when Ngilari's case came up for mention on
Tuesday. The matter was adjourned till September 10.

However, Murtala's case has yet to be assigned to a judge.

While responding to our correspondent's inquiry, Idowu said, "Should
INEC ignore existing provisions on the basis of suits that have not
even been argued much less getting a verdict?"

INEC had on Tuesday slated October 11 for the bye-election .

INEC is constitutionally required to conduct a bye-election within 90
days of vacancy in the office of governor.

The office of the Adamawa State governor is currently being occupied
by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Ahmadu Fintiri, in acting
capacity.