Reason has emerged why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) barred the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Sokoto State, Dr Nura Ali, from Saturday’s gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections.
WITHIN NIGERIA had reported that INEC had directed Ali to step down and be replaced by the commission’s administrative secretary in the state, Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa, with immediate effect.
“This is to inform you of the commission’s decision for you (Dr Nura Ali), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sokoto State, to stay away from the commission’s office in Sokoto State immediately until furthermore notice.
“The administrative secretary is directed to take full charge of INEC, Sokoto State office with immediate effect.”
Although none of the letters stated the reason for the action against the REC, INEC sources said it was as a result of the conduct of INEC officials under Ali during the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.
According to Daily Trust, a source, who commented on the development that led to the removal of the REC, said, “You know a lot of hitches were recorded during the last elections; late arrival of materials at polling units and improper conduct of poorly trained adhoc staff.
“And you know Sokoto is a very difficult state when it comes to the conduct of elections. The state requires a highly experienced and capable hand to manage its elections. The controversy during the last election is the major reason the commissioner was asked to step down while a highly experienced team was deployed to manage Governorship and other elections in the state.”
A senior INEC official, who pleaded not to be named, as he was not authorised to publicly comment on the matter, said Dr. Ali, was not left alone by all the commission staff due to his leadership style.
“It was authoritatively learnt that the Sokoto REC was acting like a sole administrator and this led to the break down of administrative structure of INEC in the state.”
“For instance, there was no results of National Assembly elections in Sokoto State, as the commission staff in the state refused to work with him, due to his high-handedness.”
It was also learnt that the suspended Sokoto State REC did not show remorse or give satisfactory explanation on the failure under his watch.
The official said, “There are other reasons that the commission does not have option than to ask the administrative Secretary of the commission in the state, Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa to take full charge with immediate effect so the coming governorship and state assembly elections would be successful.”
It was gathered that members of the redeployed team were already in the state.
When contacted, the spokesman of the Commission, Dr. Shamsuddeen Sidi, confirmed the change of guard but declined further comments.
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