Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, has publicly rejected his dismissal by Nigeria’s Senate, calling it unjust and defending his role in the contentious 2023 governorship election.
His removal, approved at President Bola Tinubu’s request, followed allegations of electoral misconduct in Adamawa, Abia, and Sokoto states.
Yunusa-Ari, however, insists his actions were lawful and rooted in truth, sparking renewed debate over electoral integrity.
Controversial Announcement
In April 2023, Yunusa-Ari stirred national outrage by declaring Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of Adamawa’s supplementary governorship election while results were still being collated.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) swiftly invalidated his announcement, labeling it a breach of protocol.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari suspended Yunusa-Ari days later, pending a police investigation. By July 2024, INEC escalated the matter, filing a six-count charge against him for alleged electoral violations.
Yunusa-Ari’s Defense
During a press briefing in Bauchi, Yunusa-Ari argued that both INEC and the election tribunal ignored his attempts to present evidence supporting his declaration.
He displayed what he described as “authentic result sheets” and letters sent to INEC headquarters, which he claims were repeatedly rejected.
“The golden rule of natural justice demands that I be heard,” he stated, referencing legal principles and religious convictions.
“Even God sends prophets before judgment,” he added, emphasizing his belief that Binani legitimately defeated incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.
Despite his dismissal, Yunusa-Ari expressed no remorse, vowing to repeat his actions.
“I acted within the bounds of the Quran and my conscience,” he told Channels Television, criticizing INEC and the tribunal for dismissing his submissions.
INEC’s decision to nullify Yunusa-Ari’s declaration and pursue legal action underscores its stance against procedural breaches.
Electoral guidelines mandate that only the Returning Officer can announce results, a rule reiterated by INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu during the 2023 elections.
Legal experts, including Abuja-based attorney Kalu Uduma, note that Yunusa-Ari’s actions contravened Section 68 of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which safeguards collation and declaration processes.
Implications
This case highlights systemic challenges in Nigeria’s electoral governance.
A 2023 report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) found that 42% of electoral disputes in that year’s polls involved allegations of unauthorized result declarations.
Yunusa-Ari’s defiance raises questions about accountability for officials entrusted with upholding democratic processes.
As Yunusa-Ari prepares to face trial, his case remains a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for credible elections. While he frames his actions as morally justified, institutions like INEC stress adherence to legal frameworks to preserve public trust.
The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for handling future electoral misconduct, reinforcing the need for transparency and accountability at all levels of governance.