By Gloria Afajagbe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the Collation of Results in Adamawa state Governorship Election and voided the declaration of Senator Aisha Dahiru Binani as Governor-elect.
In a statement signed by Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner, Information and Voter’s Education Committee, the commission summons the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the state, Hudu Yunusa over the controversial declaration.
“The attention of the Commission has been drawn to a purported declaration of winner in the Adamawa Governorship election by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) even when the process has clearly not been concluded.
“The action of the REC is a usurpation of the power of the Returning Officer. It is null, void, and of no effect.
“Consequently, the collation of the result of the supplementary election held yesterday 15th April 2023 is suspended forthwith.
“The REC for Adamawa State and all other officials involved in the process are hereby directed to report immediately to INEC headquarters in Abuja,” the statement read in part.
The electoral body, however, said it was deeply disturbed by the harassment of two Commissioners deployed to the state to ensure a peaceful and credible supplementary election.
It urged the security agencies to provide the officials with necessary security and ensure that nothing untoward befalls them.
“The two National Commissioners, the Returning Officer, and other staff of the Commission must be allowed to perform their duties without let or hindrance. The Commission will not condone any act of lawlessness or brigandage targeted at our officials or the process,” the INEC’s statement concluded.
Senator Binani of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are the two main candidates in the election with Fintiri leading before Saturday’s rerun election in 69 polling units.
