The 2023 Adamawa State governorship election was marred by controversy surrounding the actions of the then Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari. Yunusa-Ari prematurely declared Aishatu Dahiru (Binani) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner while the collation process was still ongoing. This act, deemed unlawful by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led to his suspension and subsequent dismissal. Following a period of absence, including reports of fleeing to Niger Republic, Yunusa-Ari resurfaced, holding a press conference to defend his actions and accuse INEC of suppressing evidence that would have validated Binani’s victory. He claimed to have acted within the law and denied allegations of accepting a ₦2 billion bribe to influence the election outcome.
INEC responded to Yunusa-Ari’s public pronouncements with a firm assertion that the proper venue for defending his actions was the court of law, not press conferences. The commission emphasized the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgment on the election dispute, effectively concluding the matter. INEC reiterated its commitment to respecting the judicial process and abstaining from commenting on the specifics of Yunusa-Ari’s conduct during the election, given that the matter is currently before the High Court in Yola. The commission’s stance underscores the importance of due process and the rule of law in addressing electoral disputes. With Yunusa-Ari’s return to Nigeria, INEC urged him to submit himself to the legal proceedings and present his defense in court.
The core of the controversy revolves around Yunusa-Ari’s premature declaration of Binani as the winner. His actions disregarded the established electoral procedures, undermining the integrity of the collation process. INEC’s subsequent suspension and dismissal of Yunusa-Ari reflected the gravity of his transgression. The commission’s refusal to engage in a public debate on the matter, opting instead to defer to the courts, highlights its commitment to upholding the rule of law. This position reinforces the importance of judicial processes in resolving electoral disputes and holding individuals accountable for their actions within the electoral framework.
Yunusa-Ari’s press conference, in which he attempted to justify his actions and accuse INEC of manipulating evidence, further fueled the controversy. His allegations against the commission, coupled with his previous absence and reports of fleeing the country, raised concerns about his credibility and motivations. INEC’s measured response, reiterating the finality of the Supreme Court’s decision and urging Yunusa-Ari to engage with the legal process, serves to de-escalate the situation and reaffirm the authority of the judicial system. This approach underscores the principle that legal proceedings, not public pronouncements, are the appropriate forum for adjudicating such disputes.
The ongoing legal proceedings against Yunusa-Ari will determine the veracity of his claims and the consequences of his actions. The High Court in Yola will examine the evidence and determine whether his conduct violated electoral laws and procedures. The outcome of this trial will have implications for the integrity of the electoral process and the accountability of electoral officials. INEC’s insistence on due process and its refusal to engage in public speculation demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that electoral disputes are resolved through the appropriate legal channels.
The Adamawa governorship election controversy highlights the importance of impartial and transparent electoral processes. The actions of Yunusa-Ari, by circumventing established procedures, threatened to undermine public trust in the electoral system. INEC’s swift response and its subsequent adherence to due process underscore its commitment to maintaining the integrity of elections. The ongoing legal proceedings against Yunusa-Ari will provide an opportunity to address the allegations and ensure accountability within the electoral framework. The outcome of this case will send a strong message about the importance of upholding the rule of law and the consequences of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
