16th April, 2023
INEC has suspended the collation of the results of the supplementary election conducted in Adamawa and summoned its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Hudu Ari, to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The electoral body announced the decision after Ari usurp the power of the Returning Officer to declare Aisha Binani of the APC winner of the election when the process has clearly not been concluded.
Ari made the declaration Sunday morning amidst chaos at the collation center in Yola.
Meanwhile, according to electoral law, the announcement should have been made by the returning officer of the election, who is a different person, usually an academic appointed by INEC for that purpose.
Reacting to Ari’s action, INEC issued a statement to clear the air.
The statement reads;
“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 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. Detailed statement to follow shortly.”