The Independent National Electoral Commission has annulled the declaration of Aisha Dahiru Ahmed as the governor-elect of Adamawa state.
The electoral body said that the action of Resident Electoral Officer, Prof Hudu Yunus Ari, in Yola, Adamawa state is “a usurpation of power”.
Ari on Saturday night announced an adjournment of the collation of results to 11am but he then returned to the collation centre at 9am to announce Binani, the All Progressives Congress candidate as the governor-elect.
His action however sparked an immediate protest from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who said that votes from all local government areas have not been announced.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP was in the lead following results announced by returning officers from 10 of 20 local governments in Adamawa.
Reacting to the REC’s action, INEC said, “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,” Barr. Festus Okoye, National Commissioner, Information & Voter Education said.
Adding that, “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.”
