Watch Moment Binani Gave Acceptance Speech After Being Illegally Declared Governor (Video)

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Adamawa state, Aishatu Dahiru, popularly known as Binani has given an acceptance speech after she was illegally declared the governor-elect of the state by the resident electoral commissioner (REC).

 

Recall that she had been declared winner of the election by the Resident electoral commissioner in the state following Saturday’s supplementary election.

 

However, INEC later nullified the declaration.

 

Mrs Dahiru was hoping to upstage the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored more votes during the substantive election on 18 March.

 

According to Nigeria’s electoral law, the REC, Hudu Ari, has no power to announce the winner of the election. That responsibility solely lies with the state collation officer appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

It was gathered that results from the remaining local government had not been received by the INEC when the REC announced Mrs Dahiru as the winner.

 

In a short acceptance speech watched by PREMIUM TIMES, Mrs Dahiru thanked the people of the state for electing her.

 

She said her election as the first female governor in the country would encourage other women to participate actively in politics.

 

“……You’ve made history in electing the first female governor in our dear country, Nigeria. This will no doubt broaden political participation by encouraging our daughters, sisters, aunties, mothers and indeed the girl child….,” she said in the 21 seconds clip broadcasted by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

 

However, a statement released by INEC and signed by its spokesperson, Festus Okoye, said the declaration is null and void.

 

“The REC, Returning Officer and all involved are hereby invited to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja immediately. Detailed statement to follow shortly,” Mr Okoye said.

 

Watch speech below: