The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has instructed Barr. Yusuf Hudu Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, to refrain from resuming office until further notice. The directive came in a circular signed by Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, Secretary to the Commission (INEC), and was titled “Commission’s Directive to stay away from INEC, Adamawa State.”
The circular stated, “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.”
AREWA News reports that Ari had controversially declared Senator Aisha Dahiru, also known as Binani, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Saturday’s supplementary election in the state. This declaration sparked protests from incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties.
In response, INEC nullified the declaration and summoned the REC and other officials to the commission’s headquarters for further investigation.
