Adamawa Polls: CSO Tasks INEC On Neutrality, Integrity

A civil society organisation, Concerned Citizens for Peace and Development (CCPD) has tasked security agencies and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate a modicum of integrity and neutrality amid the inconclusive governorship elections in Adamawa State.

LEADERSHIP reports that INEC had on Monday declared the March 18 governorship election in Adamawa inconclusive.

During the elections, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen Aisha Binani scored 390, 275 while the incumbent governor Ahmadu Fintiri who is seeking re-election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 421,524.

However, the electoral umpire is expected to take a decision on the election in the days to come.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the national coordinator, CCPD, Comrade Dominic Ogakwu, said all those fanning this wildfire of an illusory victory of the candidates should desist from doing so and not plunge Adamawa into unnecessary crisis.

Ogakwu said declaring an election inconclusive after announcing results from 21 local government areas by the INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Mohammed Mele, is not tenable.

He said, “Adamawa is too big to be put in a handbag, however expensive./The INEC must demonstrate that it is independent and above board by explaining how the units for the rerun increased from 69 to 77 polling units as widely spread on social media.

“Any action not in tandem with the Electoral Act and its guidelines will not be permitted by the good people of Adamawa.”

He added that only fairness and justice are what will save Adamawa state from the claws of crisis.

“It is also pertinent to draw the attention of the local and international community that Binani was never announced the winner of the Adamawa governorship election,” he added.