A former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Hudu Ari, who was recently dismissed for alleged electoral offenses, has expressed concerns about not being given a fair hearing before his removal.
Speaking to journalists in Bauchi, Ari claimed that he wrote several letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain his side of the story but his letters were rejected. He further stated that the tribunal overseeing the case between Aisha Binani and Ahmadu Fintiri had refused to accept his evidence.
Ari insisted that he had substantial evidence to support his position but was never invited to present his case. He displayed documents he claimed were authentic result sheets, along with letters he sent to INEC.
He said, “The dismissal is not my problem. The civil service is governed by civil service rules, procedures, and services. In law, there is what we call the golden rule of natural justice which says that you must be heard. Even God will never punish anybody without sending the messages, the prophets, and the scriptures.”
“The refusal of INEC to collect my letters and then the tribunal said they are not using my evidence. Even as an ordinary judge, what do you say to that?” he asked.
Holding a copy of the Holy Quran, Ari said, “Wallahi, whatever I do, I do it within the bounds of the Quran. We have to remember the last day.”
Ari also alleged that some of the INEC staff were compromised, beaten, and threatened during the 2023 electoral process. He lamented that he had been tried by the media and emphasised that he had no regrets for his actions, adding that he would act the same way again, as he believed he was on the side of truth.
“I can even announce it now, she won the election against Fintiri,” the dismissed REC stated, adding that he is currently consulting with family and friends to decide on his next course of action.
