By Hudu Yunusa Ari, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) resident electoral commissioner in Adamawa, has been placed on administrative leave.
The response was in response to the REC’s contentious statement made on Sunday following the run-off election.
Ari pronounced Aisha Dahiru Binani, the APC’s candidate for governor, the victor, despite the fact that only Returning Officers are authorized to do so.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri accused the REC of working for a gang, which caused indignation in the state and across the nation.
Ari was told not to go to the commission’s office in Yola, the state’s capital, on Monday by the national office of the electoral umpire.
The INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, instructed the Administrative Secretary in Adamawa to assume responsibility in a letter dated April 17, 2023.
I, therefore, notify you (Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adamawa State, that the Commission has decided you should leave the Commission’s office immediately and without delay until further notice.
The letter stated that “the Administrative Secretary has been asked to fully assume control of INEC, Adamawa State, with immediate effect.”
