Hudu Ari, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, has alleged that he was denied a fair hearing before his recent dismissal over alleged electoral offenses.

Speaking to journalists in Bauchi, Ari claimed that despite submitting multiple letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to present his side of the story, his appeals were ignored. He also accused the tribunal handling the election dispute between Aisha Binani and Ahmadu Fintiri of refusing to accept his evidence.

“The dismissal is not my problem,” Ari said. “The civil service is governed by rules and procedures. In law, there is the golden rule of natural justice, which says that you must be heard. Even God does not punish without sending messages, prophets, and scriptures.”

Holding what he described as authentic result sheets, Ari insisted he had substantial evidence to back his claims but was never given the chance to present them. He further alleged that some INEC officials were compromised, threatened, and assaulted during the 2023 election process.

Expressing frustration over being “tried by the media,” Ari maintained that he had no regrets about his actions. “Wallahi, whatever I do, I do it within the bounds of the Quran. We have to remember the last day,” he said.

Reaffirming his stance, he declared, “I can even announce it now she [Aisha Binani] won the election against Fintiri.”

Ari added that he is currently consulting with family and friends before deciding on his next steps.