The suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa Ari, has stated why he had no regrets over his action, by announcing Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani as the winner of the just concluded Adamawa Governorship election.
According to Daily Post, while speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, Prof Ari said, he did not regret his decision to announce the results and also denied receiving N2b bribe, for his action.
Claiming that he has a right under the law, and is also empowered constitutionally, to announce the result, Mr Ari said he was ready to hand himself over to the Nigeria Police, who invited him.
Ari had announced the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Binani, as the winner of the governorship election, while results from the local government areas of the state, which were declarinconclusivelin during the March 18 governorship election, were still being collated.
However, the REC’s action brought about widespread criticism, but INEC’s timely intervention saved the possible violence.
However, the electoral umpire distanced itself from the development and also invited Ari to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja immediately.
The electoral process was, however, suspended till a new date, and the REC was also relieved of his duty.
Subsequently, INEC continued the process, and announced the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and the incumbent governor of the state, Ahmadu Fintiri, as the winner of the election.
However, the REC, who was called for questioning, by the police, has hidden from the public, ever since then.