Why Binani Can’t be Declared Governor-Elect In Adamawa – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the declaration of Aisha Dahiru Binani of All Progressive Congress (APC) as the governor-elect in Adamawa state by the state Residential Electoral Commissioner (REC).

VerseNews Nigeria reports that according to INEC the declaration by the REC officer is illegal and unconstitutional.

The commission also stated that REC has no such powers as only the Returning Officer for the election is constitutionally mandated to make returns.

However, INEC has summoned the REC and all other officials involved in the incident to its headquarters in Abuja.

This Online News Media reports that the development was confired on Sunday afternoon in a statement by the National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education at the commission, Mr Festus Okoye.

DON’T MISS: Why INEC Suspended Adamawa Governorship Election

The statement read; “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”.