The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has nullified the declaration of Senator Aisha Dahiru, also known as Binani, as the winner of the Adamawa State governorship election by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Barrister Hudu Yunusa.
INEC made this announcement in a short statement issued by the umpire via Twitter on Sunday.
The electoral umpire also summoned the REC for the state to its headquarters in Abuja over the controversial declaration.
According to INEC, the REC’s action was a violation of the power of the Returning Officer, and it is null, void and of no effect.
“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 statement reads.
“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.”
The announcement of Binani as the winner of the election had sparked protests from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Before the collation of exercise was suspended on Saturday night, results from 10 LGAs had been announced, and Binani was trailing Ahmadu Fintiri, the incumbent governor and PDP candidate.
