Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa, to stay away from its office in the state.

The directive was conveyed in a letter on Monday signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, secretary to the commission.

The REC had declared Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as winner of the Adamawa state governorship election when results from 10 LGAs had not been announced.

Oriaran-Anthony in the letter, said the administrative secretary has been asked to take full charge of the office in Adamawa with immediate effect.

“I hereby convey the Commission’s decision that you (Hudu Yunusa Ari), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adamawa State should stay away from the Commission’s office in Adamawa State immediately until further notice,” the letter reads.

“The Administrative Secretary has been directed to take full charge of INEC, Adamawa State with immediate effect.”

According to the electoral act, only the returning officer is empowered to declare the winner of the election.

Based on the announced figures, Binani was trailing Ahmadu Fintiri, the incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, INEC said the declaration by the REC was null and void.

The commission suspended the collation of results and invited the REC, returning officer, and all those involved in the collation process to its headquarters in Abuja.

The announcement of the results triggered protests in Adamawa.

Members of the PDP in the state staged a demonstration on Monday, marching through the streets of Yola, the capital of Adamawa.

They held placards that read “Adamawa is not for sale” and “INEC the world is watching”, among others.

The Cable