The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, to immediately stay away from the state office until further notice.

INEC gave the directive in a letter dated April 17, 2023, and signed by the commission’s secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

In the letter entitled “Commission’s Directive to Stay Away from INEC, Adamawa State,” the commission also directed the state administrative secretary to take charge of the state office immediately.

“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,” the letter partly read.

On Saturday, Mr Yunusa-Ari purportedly declared the Adamawa State governorship election winner while the results collation from some local government areas were yet to be concluded.

The INEC headquarters declared his action null and void, suspended the result collation process, and directed him and all involved in the action to report to Abuja.

INEC spokesperson, Festus Okoye, confirmed the letter in an interview in Abuja.

He said the REC, who was summoned to INEC headquarters on Sunday, was still being expected at the time of filling this news at 3:30 p.m.

“The REC was directed to report today (Monday). We are still expecting him,” said Mr Okoye.

(NAN less headline)