Binani: INEC Condemns Attack Of National Commissioners In Adamawa

The Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, has condemned the intimidation of the two National Commissioners it dispatched to oversee the weekend governorship election in Adamawa state, and has called on the state’s security services to detain those involved.

Festus Okoye, National Commissioner of INEC and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, issued a statement on Sunday in Abuja in which he condemned the organization.

READ ALSO: JUSTIN: INEC Voids Declaration Of Binani As First Female Gov-elect, Summons Adamawa REC

He said; “The Commission is deeply disturbed by the harassment of our two National Commissioners deployed to the State to ensure a peaceful and credible supplementary election. We urge the security agencies to provide them with 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 hindrance.

Meanwhile, in a viral video on Sunday, an alleged INEC commissioner in Adamawa state could be seen in pain with droplets of blood on his chest off a bleeding lip.

Adamawa INEC commissioner, after declaration of Binani this is what happened to him. pic.twitter.com/7urhY2u6FH

— Bulama (@Bulama8976) April 16, 2023

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, allegedly declared a victor in the governor’s race for Adamawa State, according to a statement from INEC earlier.

“The Commission will not condone any act of lawlessness or brigandage targetted at our officials or the process”.

According to INEC, the action of the REC was an usurpation of the powers of the Returning Officer and therefore null, void and of no effect.

“Consequently, the collation of the result of the supplementary election held yesterday 15th April 2023 is suspended forthwith.

“The REC for Adamawa State and all other officials involved in the process are hereby directed to report immediately to INEC headquarters in Abuja”, the commission added.