The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Yunusa Ari, following the confusion that trailed his declaration of Aishatu Dahiru (Binani) as Adamawa State governor-elect while the collation of results was still ongoing.
The commission in a letter signed by its secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony directed that the INEC administrative secretary should take full charge of the state office with immediate effect.
“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,” the letter read.
In declaring the results, Ari had usurped the duties and powers of the Returning Officer, Prof Mohammed Mele.
Subsequently, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended the exercise and summoned the REC to Abuja for questioning.
