The Apex Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice John Inyang Okoro held that Binani’s appeal was devoid of merit and consequently dismissed it. The senior lawyer said the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) who pronounced Binani as winner of the March 18, 2023 Governorship election had powers under the Electoral Act to do what he did. Specifically, Olujinmi insisted that as a Staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the REC cannot be faulted for making declaration in the election he superintendent over. Among others, Dodo submitted that the Resident Electoral Commissioner lacked power to make declaration on election adding that the only person vested with power to do so is the Returning Officer. He explained that the Resident Electoral Commissioner who made the unlawful declaration refused to show up at the Adamawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to give evidence and justify his actions.

Source: Nigerian Tribune January 31, 2024 21:40 UTC