The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa State has dismissed a court ruling on Thursday stopping the rerun of the governorship election in 40 polling units in the state.
Justice Abdul-Aziz of the Yola High Court had on Thursday ruled that INEC should not conduct a supplementary governorship election in the state on March 23, 2019 following a request filed by counsel to the Adamawa State chapter of the Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy, Mr Mustafa Shaba, over absence of the party logo on the ballot papers used for the first round of the election which INEC declared inconclusive.
Justice Waziri said, “After careful perusal of the annexure one to five of the MRDD, alongside written address of counsel urging me to grant the application, I am of the view that the application is pregnant with merit and must be granted.
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“I hereby grant the following order. The defendant herein, the INEC, is restrained whether by themselves, their executives, servants, privies, representative nominees or any other person or persons from proceeding with the supplementary election in respect of Adamawa State Governorship pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”
However, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Kashim Gaidam, said the court lacked jurisdiction over the federal establishment, describing it as possible undue influence.
He said, “It is an order of a state High Court which has no jurisdiction over federal establishments. It is very surprising indeed. Could it be undue influence? Section 87 (10) of electoral law is also relevant. I am sure the commission will issue an official statement on the matter.”