Just days after the National Assembly approved his dismissal, former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Adamawa State, Barrister Hudu Ari, has reiterated his claim that the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Aisha Binani, was the legitimate winner of the contentious 2023 election.
In a heated discussion with journalists at his private residence in Bauchi on Saturday evening, Ari stood firm on his stance, stating that he possesses substantial documentary evidence proving Binani’s victory over the incumbent Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Allegations of Electoral Misconduct
According to Ari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the Election Tribunal dismissed his evidence detailing the irregularities that marred the election process. Holding a copy of the Holy Qur’an, he swore that his actions were carried out in good faith and in full accordance with electoral guidelines. He also alleged that undue pressure was placed upon him and other officials to declare Fintiri as the winner, warning that their security could not be guaranteed otherwise.
Claims of Election Document Tampering
Ari went further to accuse the INEC Head of ICT in Adamawa, Bala Aji, of serious misconduct. He claimed Aji compromised the election process by allegedly handing over about 20,000 copies of election documents to the Governor of Adamawa State. Recounting an alarming discovery, he stated:
"We received a report—myself, the Commissioner of Police, and all the paramilitary agencies in Adamawa—that election materials were at a private residence belonging to the Governor. We went there, and after much delay, the door was opened. Inside, we found the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and other officials handling these crucial documents, covering the entire state."
Ari also accused Aji of misappropriating election materials and engaging in unethical activities on election day. He alleged that Aji distributed BVAS machines and foreign currency to election officials, calling it an outright abuse of office.
INEC’s Response and Ari’s Frustration
Despite submitting detailed reports to INEC headquarters, Ari lamented that his findings were ignored.
"They should have acted swiftly on the evidence of vote-buying and electoral malpractice. Instead, my report was swept under the carpet. This remains one of the most disheartening experiences of my career."
Additionally, he asserted that neither INEC nor the Election Tribunal granted him a fair hearing, dismissing his evidence without due consideration.
Next Steps: Legal Action on the Horizon?
While expressing his disappointment over his dismissal, Ari emphasized that the real damage was to his reputation, exacerbated by what he termed a "media trial." He vehemently denied allegations that he had accepted a N2 billion bribe from any politician.
Currently, he is consulting his family on whether to pursue legal redress in court.
"My sack by the President does not bother me as much as the unfair portrayal in the media. We are all Nigerians, and the fate of our country is in our hands. We must decide whether to build or destroy it."
Reflecting on his tenure, Ari highlighted that he successfully conducted the Presidential and National Assembly elections. The issues, he claimed, arose only during the gubernatorial and State Assembly elections, particularly in 69 polling units.
What’s Next for Adamawa’s Political Landscape?
Ari’s revelations have added another layer of controversy to an already turbulent election. As political observers analyze his claims, many are left questioning the transparency of the electoral process and the role of key officials. With the possibility of legal action looming, the fallout from Adamawa’s 2023 gubernatorial election may be far from over.
Updates and Public Reactions
As the story unfolds, Nigerians remain divided. While some believe Ari’s allegations warrant thorough investigation, others see them as an attempt to justify an illegal declaration. Meanwhile, the Adamawa State government and INEC have yet to issue detailed responses to Ari’s latest claims.
One thing is certain: this electoral saga is far from concluded, and its implications may resonate beyond Adamawa, shaping future election oversight and accountability in Nigeria.
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