Chrys
The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress
(APC) in Adamawa state, Aishatu Dahiru, popularly known as Binani, delivered an
acceptance speech shortly after she was illegally declared the governor-elect
of the state by the resident electoral commissioner (REC).
This follows Saturday’s supplementary election held in the
state.
Mrs Dahiru was hoping to upstage the incumbent governor,
Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored more votes
during the substantive election on 18 March.
According to Nigeria’s electoral law, the REC, Hudu Ari, has
no power to announce the winner of the election. That responsibility solely
lies with the state collation officer appointed by the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC).
It was gathered that results from the remaining local
government had not been received by the INEC when the REC announced Mrs Dahiru
as the winner.
In a short acceptance speech watched by NigerianEye, Mrs
Dahiru thanked the people of the state for electing her.
She said her election as the first female governor in the
country would encourage other women to participate actively in politics.
“……You’ve made
history in electing the first female governor in our dear country, Nigeria.
This will no doubt broaden political participation by encouraging our
daughters, sisters, aunties, mothers and indeed the girl child….,” she said in
the 21 seconds clip seen by PREMIUM TIMES and broadcasted by the Nigerian
Television Authority (NTA).
INEC disagrees
However, a statement released by INEC and signed by its
spokesperson, Festus Okoye, said the declaration is null and void.
“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 the 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. Detailed
statement to follow shortly,” Mr Okoye said.
