The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the collation of results of the supplementary election in Adamawa state.

Barr. Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner, Information & Voter Education, made this announcement via the Commission’s Twitter handle.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Barrister Hudu Yunusa had declared Senator Aisha Dahiru, popularly known as Binani, as the winner of the Adamawa Governorship election.

Okoye said the action of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa State in announcing the result even when the process has not been concluded is a usurpation of the power of the Returning Officer, adding that the result announced is null, void and of no effect.

The statement reads: “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 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.”

Okoye, however said  Commission is deeply disturbed by the harassment of our two National Commissioners deployed to the State to ensure a peaceful and credible supplementary election, urging the security agencies to provide them with the necessary security and ensure that nothing untoward befalls them. The two National Commissioners, the Returning Officer and other staff of the Commission must be allowed to perform their duties without let or hinderance. Adding that the Commission will not condone any act of lawlessness or brigandage targeted at our officials or the process.