Adamawa Govt Exposes Ex-REC Hudu Ari’s ‘Fabricated’ Claim On Binani’s Election

The Adamawa State Government has refuted recent claims made by dismissed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa Ari, alleging that Senator Aisha Binani won the 2023 gubernatorial election.

In a statement issued on Sunday, February 9, 2025, Solomon Kumangar, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, denounced Ari’s assertion as a “desperate attempt to distort historical facts.”

Kumangar emphasized that Ari had no legal authority to declare election results, pointing out that his actions in April 2023 blatantly violated the Electoral Act.

“The Electoral Act is explicit—only a returning officer, an INEC ad-hoc staff, is empowered to announce election results. Hudu Ari’s claims are nothing more than a futile effort to mislead the public,” Kumangar stated.

He further criticized Ari for failing to provide credible evidence to support his claims, noting that INEC had already invalidated his actions, which are now under legal examination.

The government also reminded the public of an incident where Ari was recorded soliciting support for a candidate, falsely claiming he had “directives from above” to declare Binani the winner.

“Hudu was caught on tape seeking support for a candidate and falsely asserting he had higher directives. Yet, he hasn’t produced any proof to justify his illegal declaration,” the statement read.

The Adamawa government reaffirmed that INEC had nullified Ari’s unauthorized announcement and confirmed Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as the legitimate winner.

Labeling Ari a fugitive, Kumangar urged him to cease spreading misinformation and instead face the court to defend his actions.

“If Hudu believes in his claims, he should stop spreading lies and present his case in court,” the statement concluded.

Ari is currently facing several legal charges in the Adamawa State High Court, including misconduct, abuse of office, and unlawful electoral interference.

Following widespread outrage over his controversial election-day declaration, the Federal Government ordered his arrest and prosecution. However, Ari remains in hiding, sparking speculation that he is avoiding justice.

In April 2023, Ari unlawfully declared Binani of the APC as the winner of the Adamawa governorship election while collation was still ongoing. INEC swiftly annulled his declaration, later confirming Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP as the rightful victor.