The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has objected to the declaration of gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Aishatu Dahiru popularly known as Binani, as the governor-elect in Adamawa State.
National Commissioner, Information &Voter Education of INEC, Barr. Festus Okoye gave the indication in a statement on Sunday.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa, Prof Hudu Yunus Ari, had declared Binani winner on Sunday morning following the supplementary election held Saturday.
But in its statement, INEC said that the REC usurped the power of the Returning Officer, therefore his action is “null, void and of no effect”.
The statement read, “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.
“Detailed statement to follow shortly.”