The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kebbi State, on Monday, declared Yusuf Isa-Yahaya, the collation officer for Marafa ward in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, as ‘persona non-grata’.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Ahmed Bello-Mahmud, said in Birnin Kebbi that the commission would, however, not be deterred by this development.

He said the commission had no option than to declare him missing following a series of meetings on the issue in accordance with the law, adding that a new competent collation officer had been appointed to carry on with the job.

Mr Bello-Mahmud assured that the newly appointed officer would continue from where the missing officer stopped and possibly make an announcement later.

Tension was high at the INEC office in Birnin Kebbi in view of the strong contest between the two political giants in the state, the incumbent governor of the state, Atiku Bagudu, and ex-governor, Adamu Aliero, which led to security beef-up at the commission office.

Mr Bagudu is contesting the Kebbi Central Senatorial District seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Mr Alieru is competing on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Results from eight local government areas of Kebbi Central Senatorial District had arrived, but the absence of Marafa ward results delayed the winner’s announcement.

Also speaking, Mr Aliero advised his supporters to remain calm, adding that the commission’s decision was in line with the laws of the land.

(NAN)