Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa state, has strongly criticized his dismissal over alleged electoral irregularities during the 2023 governorship election. Yunusa-Ari maintains he acted in good faith, despite the controversy surrounding his declaration of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as the winner, which came under scrutiny.
In an emotional statement on February 9, 2025, Yunusa-Ari emphasized, “I do not regret what I did; if given another chance, I would do the same.” He also revealed that despite writing several letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he was denied an opportunity to defend himself and present his side of the story.
Swearing by the Holy Qur’an, Yunusa-Ari asserted that he had evidence showing Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had actually won the election. However, he was allegedly pressured into declaring Fintiri as the winner, a decision he claims was against his better judgment.
Yunusa-Ari added, “Those who did what they did, from both within and outside of the APC in Adamawa, are aware of what they did, and some of them are already paying for their crimes.” His remarks are fueling further controversy and raising questions about the integrity of the election process in the state.