The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has suspended the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Adamawa State, Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari, following his declaration of Adamawa governorship election results.
Ari had on Sunday controversial announced the results of the supplementary election, declaring the All Progressives Congress, APC’s candidate, Aisha Dahiru Binani, as the winner.
The declaration by Ari had led to criticisms across the nation, as the incumbent Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, also accused the REC of bias.
His action, according to a statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner for Information & Voter’s Education, Festus Okoye, violated the responsibility of the state’s Returning Officer meant to statutory announce results.
INEC’s national headquarter, had subsequently in a letter dated April 17, 2023, signed by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, ordered Ari to stay away from the commission’s office in Yola, the state capital.
The letter also directed the Administrative Secretary in Adamawa to take charge of INEC operations in the state until further notice.
The suspension however underscores the importance of impartiality and fairness in electoral processes and highlights INEC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of elections in Nigeria.