James Harrison
The Indepedent National Electoral Commission is rocked by confusion over the declaration of the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Sen Aisha Dahiru, as the governor elect.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Barrister Hudu Yunusa, had declared Sen Aisha Dahiru winner of the supplementary election held on Saturday.
Channel Television reported that the REC curiously returned the APC Candidate as the governor-elect even before the conclusion of the collation of the results of the election.
It was stated that the electoral officials and observers at collation Centre in Yola which had earlier adjourned till 11 am were still waiting to reconvene when the REC sneaked in to make the announcement.
However, INEC has described the action of the REC in Adamawa State a usurpation of the powers of the Returning Officer.
The Commission in a statement by National Commissioner, Information &Voter Education, Barr. Festus Okoye, announced the immediate suspension of the announcement of the result of the election.
As a result of the embarrassing controversy, the commission summoned the REC, the returning officer and all those involved to its national headquarters in Abuja.
“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 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.”
