The dismissed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, has alleged that he was pressured into declaring Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as the winner of the controversial 2023 governorship election, despite possessing what he described as “undeniable evidence” that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani, rightfully won the poll.
Speaking with journalists in Bauchi on Saturday, Yunusa-Ari accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the Election Tribunal of deliberately suppressing critical evidence of electoral fraud.
He claimed that he and other electoral officials faced threats to their lives, forcing them to announce Fintiri as the winner against their will.
Swearing by the Holy Qur’an, the embattled former REC insisted that he acted in line with electoral guidelines and in good faith.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
Yunusa-Ari further alleged that the ICT head of INEC in Adamawa, Bala Aji, compromised the election by handing over 20,000 sensitive documents to Governor Fintiri. These documents were allegedly discovered in a private residence linked to top government officials, where they were being manipulated.
Additionally, he claimed that BVAS machines were distributed and that INEC staff were bribed with foreign currency on election day.
“They should have acted immediately, but my report was swept under the carpet. This is one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life,” he lamented.
Legal Battles and Claims of Unfair Hearing
Yunusa-Ari was suspended on April 17, 2023, after unilaterally declaring Binani the winner while collation was still in progress. INEC swiftly nullified his announcement, leading to his dismissal and arraignment before the Adamawa State High Court on charges of unprofessional conduct.
His legal troubles worsened when a court dismissed his attempt to halt proceedings earlier this year, ruling that his case lacked merit.
Despite these setbacks, Yunusa-Ari insists that he was a victim of a deeply flawed electoral process and maintains that the truth will eventually prevail.
“I was denied a fair hearing, and my reports were ignored. The system is compromised, but the truth cannot be buried forever,” he stated.
Denies Receiving Bribe
Reacting to allegations that he received a ₦2 billion bribe, the former REC dismissed the claims, saying he was consulting with his family on his next course of action.
“My reputation has been damaged by a media trial, but I remain committed to clearing my name,” he added.
As the controversy continues, many Nigerians are keenly watching how INEC, the judiciary, and other authorities handle the allegations and the wider implications for electoral integrity in Nigeria.
