Adamawa: Fintiri praises INEC for nullifying illegal declaration of Binani
The governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has responded to the contentious decision made by Hudu Yunusa, the REC for Adamawa.
Remember how Vanguard reported that Yunusa had controversially proclaimed Aishatu Binani, a candidate for the All Progressives Congress, the winner of the governorship race on Sunday morning.
After declaring March 18 to be inconclusive, the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, set April 15 as the date for a new election.
Fintiri accused Yunusa of working for “a gang” in a broadcast to the populace, calling his actions regrettable.
“This morning, we all woke up to an illegal announcement by merchants of anarchy headed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner—Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari, who since the start of this election has been determined to test our collective patience to the breaking point,” he said in his speech.
It has been noted that on March 18, 2023, we cast our votes in the first round of the election. This same group contributed to the chaos that made the election indecisive, even when it was clear I was coasting to victory.
“Last Saturday, April 15th, the repeat was held without incident all around the State. The appropriate officers started the collation process.
“The initial phase of collation went smoothly; 11 LGAs were compiled before the procedure was postponed to take place today, April 16, at 11:00 a.m.
The REC this morning took up a work that he is not constitutionally authorized to accomplish by making an illegal announcement of the results just as we were waiting for the collation to resume.
Although this is undoubtedly a provocative action, I continue to urge restraint in this circumstance. As your leader, I can tell you that I will make sure that NO ONE interferes with your democratic rights.
“By first separating itself from the REC’s action and reiterating its assurance that the right thing will be done, the Independent National Electoral Commission has proved its umpire status.
“In this situation, concluding the collation at the specified site and having Professor Mele Kyari, the returning officer, declare a winner is the proper course of action.
“I must express my gratitude for your tenacity and resolve in both exercising and defending your democratic rights. We won’t stop until justice is served.
“Fellow citizens, I once more urge everyone to maintain peace and uphold the law in the belief that the world is witnessing the adversaries of democracy at the height of their shameless brigandage,”
