Ukpono Anietie, PH
…summons REC and others to the commission’s headquarter.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has invalidated the declaration of Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru as the winner of the Adamawa State gubernatorial election by Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Yunusa Ari.
Earlier today, the Resident Electoral Commissioner declared APC’s gubernatorial candidate, Binani as the winner of the supplementary gubernatorial election held on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
According to Barr. Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education at INEC, the announcement was “null and void” because the election process was not concluded before the declaration.
In a series of tweets and press release on Sunday the electoral body reiterated that the REC’s action was a usurpation of the power of the Returning Officer, and as such, it was “null and void”.
Mr Okoye further explained that INEC had suspended the collation of results of the supplementary election following the REC’s announcement.
This development has come as a surprise to many Nigerians, especially those who were eagerly awaiting the final outcome of the governorship election.
The news has generated a lot of reactions on social media, with some people expressing their disappointment at the turn of events.
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Many are now calling for a thorough investigation into the matter to determine if there was any form of irregularity that might have influenced the REC’s decision to make the announcement prematurely.
Some others have said INEC under the watch of Prof. Yakubu Mahmood is corrupt, impartial, and is fighting against the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the REC, Returning Officer, and all parties involved have been invited INEC headquarter in Abuja.
The Tweet
Breaking News:
1. 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.
2. 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 results of the supplementary election is hereby suspended.
3. The REC, Returning Officer and all involved are hereby invited to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja immediately.
Detailed statement to follow shortly.
Barr. Festus Okoye
National Commissioner, Information & Voter Education