Hudu Ari, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, has vehemently protested his dismissal by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing a lack of fair hearing. Ari alleged that he was not given the opportunity to present his side of the story before being removed from office.
Speaking to journalists in Bauchi, Ari claimed that he had written several letters to INEC, attempting to explain his actions and provide evidence to support his position. However, he alleged that his letters were rejected, and he was not invited to present his case before the tribunal overseeing the disputed election between Aisha Binani and Ahmadu Fintiri.
Ari displayed documents that he claimed were authentic result sheets and letters sent to INEC, which he believed would have cleared his name. He emphasized that his dismissal was not the primary issue, but rather the lack of due process and fair hearing.
The former REC also made some startling allegations, claiming that some INEC staff were compromised, beaten, and threatened during the 2023 electoral process. Ari expressed no regrets for his actions, stating that he would act the same way again, believing that he was on the side of truth.
In a bold statement, Ari declared that Aisha Binani had won the election against Ahmadu Fintiri, sparking further controversy. The ousted REC is currently consulting with family and friends to determine his next course of action.