The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has suspended its Resident Electoral Commissioner REC in Adamawa state, Hudu Yunusa Ari.
The action followed the REC’s controversial pronouncement on Sunday when the results of the supplementary election in 20 LGA has not been collated to determine the winner.
According to Electoral Act only Returning Officers have the responsibility of announcing results, but Ari ignored this rule and went ahead to declare the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship candidate, Aisha Dahiru Binani, the winner.
The development sparked outrage in the state and across the country, with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri accusing the REC of working for a gang.
On Monday, the national headquarters of the INEC in Abuja ordered Ari to stay away from the commission’s office in Yola, the state capital.
A letter dated April 17, 2023, and signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, directed the Administrative Secretary in Adamawa to take charge.
“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 immediately until further notice.
“The Administrative Secretary has been directed to take full charge of INEC, Adamawa State, with immediate effect,” the letter noted.