Supplementary Polls: INEC Declares Binani’s Winning Announcement ‘Null And Void’
…The action of the REC is a usurpation of the power of the Returning Officer – Says Okoye
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the announcement made by Yunusa Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, declaring Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru winner of the governorship election, is ‘null and void’.
In a brief thread of tweets on Sunday, the electoral umpire through its National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education, Barr. Festus Okoye, said the election process was clearly not concluded before the announcement was made.
Mr Okoye added that the action of the REC is a usurpation of the power of the Returning Officer. “It is null, void and of no effect”.
He consequently stressed that following this action, the collation of results of the supplementary election has now been suspended.
“The attention of the Commission has been drawn to a purported declaration of winner in the Adamawa Governorship election by the Resident Electorl Commissioner (REC) even when the process has clearly not been concluded. – INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) April 16, 2023.
“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. – INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) April 16, 2023.
“The REC, Returning Officer and all involved are hereby invited to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja immediately.
“Detailed statement to follow shortly.
“Barr. Festus Okoye National Commissioner, Information & Voter Education”
…Source: channeltv
