LAGOS, Nigeria — In an escalating controversy surrounding the recently held gubernatorial election in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa Ari, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, vehemently defended his decision to prematurely announce Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani as the governor-elect.
Speaking to BBC Hausa on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Ari categorically stated that he had no regrets over his decision and categorically denied allegations of receiving a 2 billion Naira kickback.
“My conscience is clear. The law grants me the authority to make such announcements, and I stand by my decision,” Ari said.
Ari declared Binani the winner, even as votes from various local government areas within the state were still being counted.
This premature announcement sparked a political firestorm, leading to the immediate annulment of the declared result by the INEC and a subsequent postponement of the official announcement.
In a public statement, the INEC dissociated itself from Ari’s actions, “Such rashness undermines the credibility and sanctity of our electoral process. It is not reflective of the INEC’s commitment to democratic values.”
Following this, the INEC summoned Ari to their headquarters in Abuja.
In a bizarre twist, however, Ari seemingly vanished from public view following the summons, leading to speculation and further controversy.
“It seems like he disappeared off the face of the earth,” said an unnamed INEC official, expressing concern over Ari’s sudden absence.
Ari was arrested in Abuja this week.
