Ari Hudu Yunusa, the rogue Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Adamawa State, sidestepped the INEC returning officer, Mele Kyari, to declare Aishatu Binani of the APC as the winner of the rerun election on Saturday. However, INEC dissociated itself from Mr Yunusa Ari’s illegal pronouncement, nullifying it. Mrs Binani approached the court seeking that the fraudulent declaration be upheld.
Mrs Binani, in the suit she jointly filed with her party, the All Progressives Congress, on April 17 and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/510/2023, said the court should immediately review INEC’s nullification of the exercise, arguing that the electoral office lacked the powers to reverse a declaration. INEC said it has written to the inspector general of police, Usman Baba, to investigate and prosecute Mr Yunusa-Ari for illegally declaring APC gubernatorial flag bearer Aishatu Dahiru, winner in Saturday’s supplementary elections.
The ruling by the Federal High Court has effectively dashed the hopes of Aisha Binani and the All Progressives Congress of assuming the governorship position in Adamawa State. It also affirms the decision by INEC to nullify the results of the supplementary elections held on Saturday.
The case has been keenly watched by Nigerians and the international community as it will have far-reaching implications for the democratic process in Nigeria. The independence of INEC and the judiciary has been under scrutiny for some time in the country, and the handling of this case will be seen as a litmus test of their impartiality.
Many Nigerians have expressed concern about the growing trend of electoral malpractice and the undue influence of politicians on electoral officials. The decision by INEC to nullify the results of the supplementary elections in Adamawa State is seen as a step in the right direction and a signal that the electoral umpire will not tolerate any form of electoral fraud.
The ruling by the Federal High Court is a welcome development for many Nigerians who have been yearning for the strengthening of democratic institutions in the country. It is hoped that the decision will serve as a deterrent to those who seek to undermine the electoral process and that it will encourage INEC and the judiciary to continue to discharge their duties with integrity and impartiality.