Hudu Ari, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State who was recently sacked for alleged electoral offences, has raised concern that he was not given a fair hearing before being removed.
He insisted on having solid proof to back up his claims, but he was never given the opportunity to present them.
Speaking to media in Bauchi, Ari stated that he sent three letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain his side of the story, but they were rejected. He further alleged that the tribunal supervising the case involving Aisha Binani and Ahmadu Fintiri had refused to accept his testimony.
Ari asserted that he had considerable proof to back up his claims, but he was never called to present his case. He exhibited documents he said were official result sheets, as well as letters he wrote to INEC.
He stated, “The dismissal is not my problem. The civil service is governed by rules, regulations, and services. In law, we have the golden rule of natural justice, which states that you must be heard. Even God will never punish someone unless he sends messages, prophets, and scriptures.
“INEC refused to collect my letters, and the tribunal stated that they would not use my evidence. What are your thoughts on that, even as an ordinary judge?” He enquired.
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 further claimed that certain INEC officials were compromised, beaten, and threatened during the 2023 election. He bemoaned that he had been tried by the media and stated that he had no remorse about his conduct, adding that he would act the same way again since he believed he was on the right side of the 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.
