INEC to prosecute Kogi governor for double registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it would prosecute Governor Yahaya Bello if convicted for

Governor Bello was accused of registering twice for his Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

INEC declared the second registration done by Bello at the government house, Lokoja, on May 23, 2017, as illegal and contrary to the electoral act.

The governor, on February 26, 2018, was issued his PVC after applying for the transfer of same from Abuja to Okene in Kogi state.

But INEC says the transfer will not stop his prosecution.

The electoral umpire said Governor Bello would have been prosecuted but for his immunity.

The Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, James Apam, told journalists on Thursday, March 1, 2018, that Governor Bello will face the full wrath of the law “when the time comes”.

“The fact that he had been alleged to have registered twice does not take away his right of transfer of the existing registered voters card; when the time comes, INEC will do the needful,” Apam announced.

“The allegation of double registration has not been swept under the carpet; we cannot prosecute Bello now because he enjoys immunity as a sitting governor.

“He has committed an offence and we shall prosecute him when he is out office,” he declared.

Three staff of the commission were indicted, as two officials were dismissed, while an assistant director was suspended.

INEC working for PDP

Meanwhile, the National Rebirth Group (NRG), has accused INEC state of working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group accused INEC of concocting a claim that Governor Bello registered twice.