INEC Declares Kebbi Collation Officer Missing

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kebbi State has declared the collation officer for Marafa ward in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Yusuf Isa-Yahaya, as ‘persona non-grata’.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Ahmed Bello-Mahmud said on Monday in Birnin Kebbi.

He disclosed that the commission would, however, not be deterred by the development.

He said the commission had no option but to declare him missing following a series of meetings on the issue in accordance with the law.

Bello-Mahmud added that a new competent collation officer has been appointed to carry on with the job.

He further assured that the newly appointed officer would continue from where the missing officer stopped and possibly make the announcement today.

Tension was high at INEC office in Birnin Kebbi in view of the strong contest between the two main oppositions in the state.

Incumbent Governor of the state, Senator Atiku Bagudu and ex-governor, Senator Adamu Aliero, are both contesting for the Kebbi Central Senatorial District.

While the incumbent Governor seeks the seat on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alieru is contesting on the platform of People’s Democratic party (PDP).

Results from eight Local Government Areas of Kebbi Central Senatorial District have arrived but the absence of Marafa ward results delayed the announcement of the winner.

Also speaking, Aliero advised his supporters to remain calm, adding that the decision of the commission was in line with the laws of the land.

He lamented that his people have spent two days awaiting the announcement of the result but to no avail.

“Therefore, I urge all our supporters to be law abiding, mature and ensure that they maintain the relative peace being enjoyed for the good and progress of the state and the nation at large,” he said.