Essential Ndubuisi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared as null and void the purported declaration of Aisha Dahiru Binani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Adamawa state, as duly elected by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
According to INEC, the REC has no powers to make such a declaration, as only the Returning Officer for the election is constitutionally mandated to make returns. Additionally, the commission stated that the election had not been concluded when the said illegal declaration was made.
As a result, INEC has summoned the REC and all other officials involved in the incident to its headquarters in Abuja.
Confirming the development, National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education at the commission, Mr Festus Okoye promised to provide further details on the matter.
“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,” said Okoye.
The commission has invited the REC, Returning Officer, and all involved to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja immediately.
