INEC Voids Declaration Of Binani As Winner, Summons REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has voided the declaration of Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani as the winner of the governorship election in Adamawa State. The Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari, had earlier declared that candidate of the All Progressives Congress won the election following the supplementary election held on Saturday. INEC’s spokesman Festus Okoye said Ari declared the winner “when the process has clearly not been concluded.” But only the returning officer for the election is mandated to declare the winner after the collation must have been completed. “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,” Okoye said. “The REC, Returning Officer and all involved are hereby invited to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja immediately. Detailed statement to follow shortly.”