Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission on has disavowed the declaration of Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru as winner of the Adamawa Governorship election.
Ot has also suspended the collation of results of the supplementary election.
Controversy had ensued after the state Resident Electoral Commissioner declared a winner before collation was concluded on Sunday April 16. Hide original message
In a video shared widely on social media, Prof Hudu Yunus Ari, the Adamawa REC, declared Binani as winner midway into collation of the supplementary election after the initial exercise on March 18 was declared inconclusive.
Results from 10 out of the 20 local government areas had been declared while the exercise was adjourned till 11am Sunday.
But Ari announced the final result an hour before the scheduled time.
Protesters wondered why the announcement was made by the REC instead of the returning officer.
However, INEC swiftly denounced the REC’s action.
“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 results of the supplementary election is hereby suspended. The REC, Returning Officer and all involved are hereby invited to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja immediately.”
The statement signed by Festus Okoye by INEC National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education promised a “detailed statement to follow shortly.”
Demola Ojo
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