Prof. Hudu Yunus Ari, the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, has been beaten mercilessly by angry mob after he controversially declared senator Aisha Binani as the winner of the supplementary election which was held yesterday by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Mr Ari went ahead to declare Binani winner when results were being expected from 10 of the 20 Local Government Areas, News Band gathered.
Though, Professor Mohammed Mele, the returning officer, had earlier adjourned the collation till 11am. But the REC made his way to the hall to make the pronouncement and departed immediately.
The returning officer was nowhere in sight when the REC made the announcement which triggered confusion.
The results being expected are from:
1.Madagali
2.Michika
3.Mubi North
4.Mubi South
5.Gombi
6.Toungo
7.Numan
8.Mayo Belwa
9.Guyuk
10.Girei
Meanwhile, INEC has summoned the Resident Electoral Commissioner and Returning Officer in the state and others involved to Abuja after rejecting the declaration of Binani as governor-elect.
A statement signed by the INEC Commissioner for Voter Education and Information, Featus Okoye said, “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.”
