By Tasi’u Hassan
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has issued a certificate of return to member-elect, representing Gombi constituency at the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rufa’i Umar.
Recall that appeal court has nullified the election of Mr. Japeth Kefas of the PDP, who was earlier declared the winner of the seat by the Independent National Electoral Commission during the March 2023 general election.
Presenting the certificate of return to the member elect in Yola, the Adamawa State INEC Administrative Secretary and acting Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adamu Gujungu, said the presentation of the certificate is in line with the directive of the Court of Appeal, which ordered the commission to withdraw the certificate earlier presented to Japeth and issue same to Rufa’i Umar of the APC.
In his speech, the member-elect, Gombi State Constituency, Umar Rufa’i, appreciated INEC and the judiciary for restoring his stolen mandate.
While appreciating his constituents for standing by him, the member said as an experienced legislator, he will ensure quality representation irrespective of religious and cultural differences.
Meanwhile, the Adamawa State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission has indicated its readiness to conduct a rerun election into Mayo Belwa State Constituency in accordance with section 28 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022, and in line with the Time Table and Schedule of activities for the Bye elections, and court-ordered re-run Elections.
A statement by the Adamawa INEC Public Affairs Officer, Dahiru Babati Jauro, urged people to comply with the procedures, laws, and extent rules toward the conduct of the re-run election into Mayo Belwa State Constituency scheduled for 3rd February 2024.
It could be recalled that the Appeal Court has sacked the member representing Mayo Belwa constituency at the State Assembly, Ibrahim Musa Italiya, and ordered INEC to conduct a re-run in some polling units.
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