The governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has pledged to prosecute individuals who allegedly colluded with the suspended Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Ari, during the 2023 gubernatorial election.
Speaking at the Government House Conference Hall on Monday, Fintiri commended INEC for remaining impartial despite the REC’s “irresponsible and unlawful” conduct.
Fintiri emphasised that instituting legal actions against those that played roles in the unfortunate incident was necessary to protect the electoral process and democratic culture from abuse.
“As for those who connived with the REC to make us pass through those democratically embarrassing moments, I want to assure you once again, that we owe it a duty to prosecute all of them according to the dictates of the law. This is the only way we can protect our electoral process and democratic culture from undue abuse,” he said.
Fintiri made an open call to all in the opposition and those that want the state to develop to join hands with his government to take the state to another stage of development.
“I remained calm when the coup to steal your mandate failed. Even when the perpetrators had the temerity and shamelessness to go to the courts looking for what they failed to forcefully take, my conduct has remained the same. I don’t look for what is not mine. But I have, in reckless abundance, the patience and courage to protect what is rightfully mine against any predator. This is what defines my path in politics. A path that leads my spirit to collect all my senses in one place, even when provoked.
Aside from his call for legal action, Fintiri urged all citizens of Adamawa to set aside their grudges and work towards a better society.
Recall that during the 2023 general election, the former REC, Hudu Ari, stirred controversy when he announced Aishatu “Binani” Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Adamawa governorship while the collation of the April 15 supplementary election was still ongoing.
After disassociating itself and suspending the REC, INEC filed a six-count charge against him.
