JUST IN: NEC Overrules Adamawa REC on declaration of Binani as winner, suspends collation

The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the collation of the Adamawa State governorship Supplementary election.

The commission announced this in a statement issued on Sunday.

The decision comes after Hudu Ari, the Resident Electoral Commission (REC), declared Senator Aisha Dahiru, aka Binani, as winner of the election under controversial circumstances.

But Festus Okoye, INEC spokesman, overruled him and ordered suspension of the collation.

“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 statement read.

“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. Detailed statement to follow shortly.”