Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, after days of controversy and confusion, Tuesday afternoon, resumed collation of results of the supplementary governorship poll in Adamawa State.
INEC officials reconvened at the state collation centre in Yola amidst tight security.
This is coming barely 24 hours after the electoral umpire suspended the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Hudu Yunusa Ari, for usurping the powers of the Returning Officer, and declaring the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, winner of the contest while collation had not ended.
INEC Administrative Secretary in the state, Adamu Gujungu, has been mandated by to take the place of the erring REC was seen at the collation centre.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, is expected at the collation centre.
The commission had earlier written to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba to probe and prosecute the REC.
On Sunday INEC suspended collation for the Saturday supplementary governorship election in Adamawa after Ari announced Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the APC as winner over the incumbent, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile the PDP has been demanding the resumption of collation of results, and subsequent declaration.