By Ahmed Ahmed
The recently sacked Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Mr. Hudu Ari, has sworn with the Quran that he was not involved in any bribery or electoral misconduct during the 2023 governorship election in the state.
Mr Ari made the assertion at a news conference at his residence on Saturday in Bauchi, appreciating God, for creating him, given the opportunity to serve as a REC.
Ari, who was suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari for unlawfully declaring a governorship election result, claimed that he did everything in good faith and in accordance with the guidelines of the election.
The sacked REC alleged that there was pressure on him and other officials of the Commission to declare the incumbent governor, Fintiri, the winner, or else his security could not be guaranteed.
Ari also claimed that his ICT head, Bala Aji, conducted himself in a manner that was not in line with the expectations of a good civil servant.
He alleged that Aji surrendered election documents to the Governor of Adamawa State and misappropriated some of the Commission’s papers.
The sacked REC expressed disappointment that his evidence against the irregularities in the controversial governorship election was dismissed by both the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, and the Election Tribunal.
Ari denied collecting N2 billion from any politician and stated that he is consulting his family on the next line of action, whether to take legal redress in court or not.
He said that his sack by the President did not bother him, but the media trial has damaged his image.
Ari’s sack was part of a broader move by the Senate, which also terminated the appointments of two other RECs.
The decision was made in response to allegations of electoral misconduct, including violations of the Electoral Act, election compromise, and fraud.
