Sacked Adamawa REC Reveals How He Was Forced To Declare Fintiri, Implicates INEC Nat. Chairman & Others | READ FULL

The dismissed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, has made shocking revelations about the 2023 governorship election, alleging that he was forced under duress to declare Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as the winner, despite evidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani, rightfully won.

Yunusa-Ari, who was suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in April 2023 and later dismissed, spoke in Bauchi on Saturday, where he accused powerful forces within INEC and the Adamawa government of orchestrating electoral fraud.

"I Was Threatened to Declare Fintiri Winner" - Yunusa-Ari

Speaking to journalists, Yunusa-Ari claimed that both INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the Election Tribunal deliberately ignored what he described as "overwhelming evidence" of electoral irregularities. He alleged that he and other officials were pressured under threats to their safety to declare Fintiri victorious.

"I swear by the Holy Qur'an that I acted in good faith and followed electoral guidelines," he said. "INEC's ICT head in Adamawa, Bala Aji, played a major role in manipulating the election in favor of the PDP candidate."

According to him, Aji allegedly handed over 20,000 sensitive election documents to Governor Fintiri, which were later found in a private residence linked to the governor. He further claimed that BVAS machines were manipulated, and election officials were bribed with foreign currency to influence the outcome.

Allegations of Election Document Manipulation

Yunusa-Ari insisted that his reports detailing these violations were ignored by INEC headquarters. He lamented that the tribunal also refused to admit his evidence.

"In law, there is what we call the golden rule of natural justice, which states that you must be heard. Even God does not punish without sending messages through prophets and scriptures. But in this case, my reports and evidence were thrown out without consideration,ÔÇØ he stated.

He displayed documents, which he claimed were authentic result sheets and letters he sent to INEC, proving that Binani had won the election.

"They should have acted immediately, but my report was swept under the carpet. This is one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life,ÔÇØ he added.

Denies Receiving N2 Billion Bribe

Dismissing rumors that he received a N2 billion bribe to declare Binani the winner, Yunusa-Ari said the accusations were a media trial meant to destroy his reputation.

"I am consulting with my family on my next steps because this issue has damaged my image beyond measure,ÔÇØ he said.

Background: How the Controversy Started

Yunusa-Ari was suspended on April 17, 2023, after he unilaterally declared Aishatu Binani of the APC as the winner of the Adamawa governorship rerun election while collation was still ongoing. His declaration was widely condemned as illegal, prompting INEC to swiftly nullify it and reaffirm Fintiri as the rightful winner.

Following his removal, he was arraigned before the Adamawa State High Court on charges of unprofessional conduct. Earlier this year, his attempt to halt court proceedings was dismissed for lacking merit.

As Yunusa-Ari continues to challenge his dismissal and allegations, the controversy surrounding the Adamawa governorship election remains a major talking point in Nigeria's political landscape.

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