By Ibrahim Sheriff
A Civil Society Organization, Brain Builder Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protect the integrity of elections in Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement on Sunday by Sanni Alausa-Issa, the Director of Communications of BBYDI, reacting to the pronouncement of Aishat Dahiru Binani as the winner of Adamawa governorship elections, as against the due process where the returning electoral officer should announce elections results.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the collation of results in the supplementary election in Adamawa State.
According to a statement by INEC’s National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education, Barrister Festus Okoye, the process is yet to be concluded.
A video emerged on social media where the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari, announced that the APC candidate, Aisha Dahiru, won the election. BBYDI averred that “The REC’s announcement violates the laws guiding the declaration of winners in such elections, which is the responsibility of the Returning Officer.”
The organization therefore call on INEC to immediately prosecute the REC for his actions.
“Nigerians are watching, and their trust in the electoral process will be tested if INEC fails to follow due process. We urge Nigerians to remain calm and observant as the events unfold. As an organization, we are monitoring the proceedings closely and will ensure that we follow it to the end”, the statement added.
