SANs: Polls under threat by Returning Officers powers

Olanipekun raises concern over Section 65 of Electoral Act
•Agbakoba seeks clarification on Section 134 of 1999 Constitution

Two legal luminaries — Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Olisa Agbakoba — yesterday expressed reservations about certain provisions of the Electoral Act  and 1999 Constitution capable of threatening the February and March polls.

Olanipekun, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, said the power vested in Returning Officers by Section 65 of the Act can threaten free and fair elections.

Agbakoba urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to clarify the commission’s position on Section 134 of the 1999 Constitution.