INEC cancels declaration of Binani as Governor-elect; summons REC officer

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has suspended the collation of results of the supplementary election held in Adamawa state.

This is coming after the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Barrister Hudu Yunusa, declared Senator Aishatu Binani winner of the governorship election.

It was gathered that the announcement was postponed till 11am after only 10 local government areas (LGAs) were declared earlier, with 10 more LGAs still awaiting the announcement.

As a result of this, report indicates that military personnel have taken over the streets of the state’s capital, Yola to prevent chaos.

In a statement posted on its official Twitter page, INEC noted that the power of the REC Returning Officer is null, void and of no effect.

The Commission also ordered the REC returning officer to assemble at the headquarters in Abuja immediately.

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.

2. 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.

3. The REC, Returning Officer and all involved are hereby invited to the Commission's Headquarters in Abuja immediately.

Detailed statement to follow shortly.

Barr. Festus Okoye

National Commissioner, Information & Voter Education