The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has nullified the purported victory of All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed [Binani] who was declared governor-elect of Adamawa State, earlier today.
Binani was declared winner by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Haruna Ari following the supplementary elections.
WikkiTimes understands that the commission suspended collation yesterday night until 11 am today. It, however, stuns that the REC resumed the collation in the absence of the returning officer whose responsibility is to do so.
Reacting, INEC in a Twitter post overruled the REC, condemning the incident “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,” the commission tweeted. “Consequently, the collation of results of the supplementary election is hereby suspended.”
INEC further summoned the REC and the returning officer immediately to Abuja.
“The REC, Returning Officer and all involved are hereby invited to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja immediately,” said INEC.
MEANWHILE, APC had tweeted about Binani’s victory.
A discrete source told WikkiTimes that the REC, while declaring Binani the winner, said he was appointed “this morning” by President Muhammadu Buhari to take over the process.
The source added that there were hearsays hitherto that the REC had been bought over by Binani’s camp.
