Bauchi Gov runs to Buhari over INEC’s cancellation of supplementary election, says security under threat

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday received Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, who briefed him about developments around the inconclusive elections in the state.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting with Buhari, the governor said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced procedures not known to the laws of the land during the March 9 elections in the state.

He said, “I briefed him on the issues surrounding the inconclusive elections, the Returning Officer for Bauchi State at the end of collation, rejected the result of Tafawa Balewa local government and then 36 other units spread around 15 local governments of Bauchi state and ordered a rerun.

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“Surprisingly, we woke up one morning and the independent electoral commission came up with a procedure that is not known to law.

“Because, where a Returning Officer has declared the result, only an election petition tribunal can reverse the result. But INEC is attempting to reverse itself in the case of Bauchi. And when one juxtapose that of Bauchi and other states with inconclusive elections, one wonders why that is happening only in Bauchi State.

“So, for that reason there is a need for me to come and brief Mr. President because that has the potential of touching on the security of the state and it is paramount we …”

Meanwhile, the decision by INEC to resume collation and announcement of results for Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, which was hitherto cancelled, has sparked huge controversy in Bauchi State.

Reports say diverse groups have reacted to the decision by INEC to begin the process.

According to reports, the Body of Bauchi Lawyers of Conscience (BOBOLAC) had backed INEC’s reversal of the cancellation of the votes of the Governorship polls of Tafawa Balewa Local government area saying “We consider INEC’S decision as the best and most proper thing to do under the circumstances”

However, the Concern Citizens, Tafawa Balewa, has opposed INEC’s decision saying it is “Ultra Vires” contrary to law and therefore illegal with no regards to the provision of Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and INEC guidelines for 2019 general elections.

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