The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has said that the declaration of APC’s Binani as the winner of the Adamawa State Governorship election is null and void.
In a statement Sunday, Barrister Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education said the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) who announced the result usurped the powers of the Returning Officer, therefore making the declaration a nullity.
The statement 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.
“2. 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.
“3. 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, INEC’s National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education