Binani was named the winner of the governorship election after defeating the incumbent governor, Umar Fintiri of the PDP
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stirred controversy after declaring Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani of the All Progressives Party (APC) the winner of the Adamawa governorship election.
According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Barrister Hudu Yunusa, Binani won the supplementary election held Saturday after defeating the incumbent governor, Umar Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His announcement, however, elicited protests from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
ALSO READ: INEC declares APC’s Binani winner of Adamawa gov election
Before the collation of exercise was suspended on Saturday night, results from 10 LGAs had been announced — and Binani was trailing Ahmadu Fintiri, the incumbent governor and PDP candidate.
The collation of results of the remaining 10 LGAs was expected to commence by 11am on Sunday.
Governorship election results are traditionally announced by the state returning officer.
But Mele Lamido, the returning officer for the Adamawa governorship election, was not present when Ari announced Binani as the winner of the election.
Despite the controversy, Senator Binani’s victory is a watershed moment in the history of Nigeria as she becomes the first elected female governor in the country.