Ahead of April 15, 2023 rerun of the Governorship election in some polling units in Adamawa State, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari has alleged Police Command in the state has not guaranteed the security of his life.
Ari, while fielding questions from Journalists at his Bauchi residence, explained that despite the threat to his life, assured that INEC would deliver a free, fair, credible, and acceptable election in the state.
He stated that the election became inconclusive due to circumstances surrounding the conduct of elections at that time and it was in line with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act as amended.
REC stated that there were reports of ballot box snatching in Fufore LGA, adding that there was no arrest made by the security agencies as the unknown persons went away with the ballot box and the results sheet for the LGA.
“I discussed with the Chief Collation and Returning Officer, the VC of the University of Maiduguri, Prof Mohammmed Mele. I told him that we cannot declare any results because of the discrepancies in the three results, and we agreed to reconcile them before making any declarations.”
“I am the Chairman of the Inter Agencies Committee of Elections Security while the Commissioner of Police is the co-chair, he insisted that we must declare the result because if we did not do that, he cannot guarantee my security in Adamawa State.”
“We had to pass the night at the Barracks. It was very unfortunate that things have reached such a dimension. On the second day when we reconvened at about 3 pm, the atmosphere was not conducive; we were rescued by military personnel,” he said.
On call for review of the elections in the state, Ari explained that the National Headquarters of INEC had the final decision on the issue and he as REC was ready to comply with any directive from INEC Headquarters.
“As REC, I don’t belong to any political party, I don’t have a soft spot for any of the candidates, they are all the same to me. I have no reason to be biased against any of the candidates or political party,” Ari said
Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Police Command has reacted to the threat to the life of the Adamawa INEC REC.
In a statement by the Police image maker in the state, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje said Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Afolabi Babatola, has deployed the Command’s operational asset around INEC facilities for surveillance operations to checkmate criminal activities around it.
The statement further said the CP directed Commander 14pmf Squadron to immediately ensure strategic deployment of officers and Operational Assets at the INEC office and State Collation Centre.
The statement reads in part: “These deployments without a doubt will surely assist in monitoring INEC materials, prevent any attempt to invade INEC premises, coordinate timely response to a distress call and clamp down on any attempt threatening the electoral Process.”
“The CP while responding to the allegation made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner during an interaction with journalists at his Bauchi residence on Tuesday denied telling him of not guaranteeing his safety, instead the Command’s Deployment was massive and highly commendable as political thugs across the state were warned and denied access to the Collation Centre.”
“The CP further re-emphasized that the presence of Police and other Security agents is the firm determination of the Command in Creating an enabling and well-secured environment for the electoral process and at no time did the Commissioner of Police urge the REC to announce the results as against the Statement of the REC.”
“REC should concentrate on doing what is expected of him by the extant laws and assure the Good people of Adamawa state of being professional in the discharge of his duty.”
- Taraba State University Suspends All Student Associations - October 18, 2025
- Bandits Slain Five Police Officers, Three Vigilantes In Zamfara - October 18, 2025
- Rivers State Executive Council Revokes N134bn Contract, Asks Contractor to Refund N20bn - October 18, 2025