The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the immediate arrest of Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner Hudu Ari after he declared All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Aishatu Ahmed, popularly known as Aisha Binani, the winner of Saturday’s supplementary polls. The party’s outcry comes amid controversy over Ari’s declaration, which was made while results were still being reported from the areas where the election took place.
In a statement issued by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the party described Ari’s action as a “criminal usurpation of the duties and powers of the Returning Officer.” Ologunagba called for Ari’s arrest and prosecution, stating that the declaration was illegal and violated the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, INEC guidelines, and the sensibilities of the people of Adamawa State.
The PDP further argued that Ari not only usurped the Returning Officer’s powers but also attempted to announce a winner without any figures, an act they labeled “reckless” and “subversive.” They recalled previous PDP warnings demanding Ari’s removal, citing evidence of his alleged collusion with the APC and its candidate to manipulate the election. According to the party, Ari’s conduct threatens to destabilise democracy and peace in Adamawa State.
Ologunagba urged the Inspector General of Police to arrest Ari and bring him to justice. He also called on INEC leadership to direct the Returning Officer to complete collation, announce the results from all polling units, and declare PDP candidate Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri the winner, noting that Fintiri had already secured a majority of lawful votes in the 69 polling units listed on the INEC Result Viewing portal. The PDP warned that any outcome short of this declaration would not be accepted by the party or the people of Adamawa State.
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