Senator Ishaku Abbo, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, has voiced his opinion on the recent controversy surrounding the gubernatorial Supplementary elections in Adamawa state. In an interview on Channels Television, Senator Abbo argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not have the authority to nullify an election that has already been announced.
The drama unfolded when the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa state, Barrister Hudu Yunusa, unofficially declared Aisha Binani of the APC as the winner of the election. However, INEC later announced the suspension of the collation of results and nullified the declaration made by Barrister Yunusa.
Senator Abbo referenced the amended electoral act and stated that INEC cannot suspend collation or nullify an election that has been announced. He further pointed out that Section 65 of the Electoral Act does not operate in isolation, and there is also Section 149 which should be considered.
Section 149 of the Electoral Act, according to Channels Television, states that any defect or error arising from actions taken by an official of the Commission remains valid unless challenged and declared invalid by a competent court of law or tribunal, and unless otherwise provided by the Constitution or the Electoral Act.
Senator Abbo’s comments have added to the ongoing debate and discussions surrounding the recent events in Adamawa state. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will be resolved and what implications it may have for future elections in Nigeria.
