Why INEC nullified declaration of Binani as Adamawa gov-elect

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has explained why it nullified the declaration of All Progressives Congress, APC’s Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru as Adamawa State’s governor-elect.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Hudu Yunusa, Sunday morning, declared Senator Aishatu Dahiru, popular as “Binani”, the winner of the Adamawa governorship rerun election.

However, INEC has said not only does the REC lack powers to make such an announcement, this particular election had not been concluded when the declaration was made.

The commission added that it was only the Returning Officer for the election that is constitutionally mandated to make returns.

Meanwhile, INEC has summoned the REC and other officials involved in the incident to Abuja.

INEC made these revelations through its National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye on Sunday.

Okoye said: “The attention of the Commission has been drawn to a purported declaration of winner (Binani) 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.”