October 9, 2014 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended election scheduled for Saturday, October 11, to elect a new governor for Adamawa State following the ruling of an Abuja High Court ordering the swearing-in of General Murtala Nyako’s Deputy, Bala Ngilari as next governor of the state.
The court had sacked Ahmad Fintiri after declaring the resignation of Ngilari null and void and consequently ordered him to vacate the office.
In a press statement, INEC said it has suspended all preparations to conduct of the governorship bye-election in Adamawa State.
In the meantime, elated Ngilari has described his victory in court as a divine intervention, promising to work harmoniously with all stakeholders to move the state forward.
Speaking through his lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the governor described the action of the former Acting Governor, Finitiri and his co-legislators as a constitutional coup.
Keyamo had also written to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, to enforce compliance with the ruling.
Meanwhile, Ngilari has been sworn in at Government House by the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Audu Lagre.
The court held that Ngilari did not resign from office as Deputy Governor in line with section 306 (1)) (2) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
