By Ayodele Oni
In a move to save face and protect its image, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered the immediate suspension of its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa, Malam Hudu Yunusa-Ari.
He has been directed to immediately stay away from the State office until further notice.
INEC gave the directive in a letter dated April 17, 2023, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The Commission in the letter entitled “Commission’s Directive to Stay Away from INEC, Adamawa State,” also directed the State Administrative Secretary to take charge of the State office immediately.
The letter reads: “I hereby convey the Commission’s decision that you ( 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.
“Please, accept the warm assurances of the commission.”
Yunusa-Ari on Sunday declared the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Aishatu Dahiru Binani, winner of the Adamawa State governorship election while the process of results collation from Local Governments were yet to be concluded.
The INEC headquarters, however, declared his action null and void, suspended the result collation process; and directed him and all involved in the action to report to Abuja.
The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Festus Okoye confirmed the directive in Abuja on Monday.
 has ordered the immediate suspension of its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa, Malam Hudu Yunusa-Ari.){kind=link}