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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Yusuf Hudu Ari, who declared Senator Aishatu Dahiru, better known as Binani, as the winner of the 2023 Adamawa governorship election.
The commission asked Ari to stay away from office till further notice.
INEC announced the development in a circular to the embattled REC signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, Secretary to the Commission (INEC).
The circular reads, "I hereby convey the commission's decision that you (Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adamawa State should stay away from the commission's office in Adamawa State immediately until further notice.
"The Administrative Secretary has been directed to take full charge of INEC, Adamawa State with immediate effect."
Recall that on Sunday, April 16, 2023, Ari illegally declared Binani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the Saturday's supplementary election in the state election.
Following the controversial declaration, INEC summoned him to its headquarters in Abuja, nullified the declaration and also suspended the collation process.
Meanwhile, the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, of the People Democratic Party (PDP) and members of the party have kicked against the declaration of Binani as the winner.
To express their displeasure with the development, PDP members marched in protest through the streets of Yola, the capital of Adamawa, on Monday, April 17, 2023, saying they would continue to protest until INEC resumes the collation of results.