A former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr Mustapha Lecky, has raised concerns about the controversial declaration of Senator Aisha Dahiru fondly called Binani as winner of the governorship election in Adamawa State by Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barrister Yusuf Hudu Ari.
Speaking on Monday night during Channels Television’s political programme, Politics Today, Dr Lecky called for an investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the declaration.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the confusion occurred on Sunday when Ari controversially announced Binani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner while the collation of results of the Saturday’s supplementary election was still ongoing.
INEC subsequently nullified his action and asked him to stay away from office until further notice.
Dr. Lecky posited: “I saw it and I read about it and I saw the pictures and it’s quite saddening to see that kind of thing happen. I think this is not the best time for INEC. It’s quite a damage that the commission will have to struggle to dig out of.
“The REC in Adamawa is a barrister, he’s a lawyer. So, he should actually know the law more than any other person.
“We need to have more details because ordinarily, in this election, given the nature and the build-up to this particular election in Adamawa, INEC ought to have supported and strengthened the electoral governance in that state at that moment.
“There are a lot of things that need to be heard; were there more people and how was it possible for him to overcome the resistance? Did he act alone? How could he have acted alone when he had seniors like National Commissioners in place? He can’t overrule the National Commissioners who were present, so what happened?”
Dr Lecky noted that the REC was expected to take directives from the National Commissioners and consult with them in the event that they were present. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the matter and the discovery of the truth behind what transpired.
“That is why I am wondering how did he have the courage to mount the podium and then make the announcement that he made. Something went wrong and it has to be articulated,” Dr Lecky added.
