INEC Takes Action Against REC for Illegal Declaration in Adamawa State

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken action against the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa state, Barrister Hudu Yunusa-Ari, due to his illegal declaration of Aisha Dahiru Binani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, as the Governor-elect in last weekend’s rerun election. As a result, Barrister Yunusa-Ari has been suspended from his duties, and INEC has directed him to stay away from the office of the commission in Yola, Adamawa state.

In a letter dated April 17, 2023, and signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC has instructed its Administrative Secretary in the state to take over the duties of the suspended REC. The letter stated that Barrister Yunusa-Ari must stay away from the commission’s office in Adamawa State immediately until further notice.

The suspension of Barrister Yunusa-Ari comes after INEC discovered that his declaration of Aisha Dahiru Binani as Governor-elect was not in line with electoral guidelines and procedures. INEC has always upheld transparency, accountability, and fairness in all its electoral processes, and any actions that violate these principles will not be tolerated.

INEC’s decision to suspend the REC and direct him to stay away from the commission’s office is a clear message that it will not condone any acts of electoral malpractice or illegalities. The commission remains committed to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and ensuring that every vote counts.