Barr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner REC in Adamawa state has been suspended from the office by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after he declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Aisha Dahiru Binani as Adamawa Governor-elect in Saturday’s supplementary election.
The Informant247 reports that the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa, Prof Hudu Yunus Ari, declared Binani as winner midway into the collation.
It was gathered that the results from 10 out of the 20 local government areas had been declared while the exercise was adjourned till 11am.
But, Ari made pronouncement an hour before the scheduled time.
Meanwhile, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was leading before the pronouncement was made.
However, in a statement released by Barr. Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner, Information & Voter Education, said the declaration is nulled and void, adding that the election process has not been concluded before the declaration by the REC.
Consequently, the REC has been ordered to stay away from the office of the commission in Yola, Adamawa state.
INEC, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony has therefore directed its Administrative Secretary in the state to take charge of its affairs.
The statement reads: “I hereby convey the Commission’s decision that you (Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adamawa State should stay away from the Commission’s office in Adamawa State immediately until further notice.
“The Administrative Secretary has been directed to take full charge of INEC, Adamawa State with immediate effect”.