COALITION OF YOUTHS APPLAUD ADAMAWA INEC REC FOR STANDING FIRM IN THE FACE OF THREAT

Barr. Yunusa Hudu Ari, Adamawa INEC Chair

By Zakariya Hussieni, State Chairman, Coalition Of Adamawa Youths For Democracy And Good Governance.

We have followed very keenly events heralding the Governorship election in Adamawa State, and have stayed on the happenings ever since the election was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

 We are a group of concerned youths with membership across the State who are equal stakeholders in the Adamawa project, hence, we deem it fit to lend our voice ever since the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Haruna Ari broke his silence since the declaration of the election as inconclusive. We make bold to say that we stand on the path of equity, fairness, Justice, and fair play. 

The issues raised by Hudu Ari calls for concern especially with regards to his safety, it is unimaginable that the Adamawa police command through the commissioner of police, will say it cannot guarantee the safety of the resident electoral commissioner when it is saddled with the constitutional duty of protecting the life and property of every citizen especially for a person on national assignment. Was this a ploy to frighten him and make him controllable? 

According to Ari, the police commissioner insisted that the results be declared (even when there are descripancies) otherwise he cannot guarantee his safety, is the police commissioner not suppose to protect Ari and ensure that he does his job excellently? Instead of subtly arm-twisting him to declare results that are questionable? 

We are glad that Hudu Ari reiterated his decision to stand firm and ensure that he delivers a free, fair, credible and acceptable election.

There are three different results from Fufore local Government according to the INEC commissioner, there is no way any of the results will be made to assume a credibility status, we strongly advise that the Fufore Governorship election be rescheduled alongside the areas where re-run elections will be conducted especially with facts emanating from INEC that results for House of Assembly candidates were uploaded on the Governorship portal in Fufore. 

Those calling for the removal of the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner have ulterior motives, the threat to life, intimidation and subtle deception alleged by Hudu Ari are strong indicators that some obvious players in the elections are deliberately making effort to manipulate the process towards harvesting unmerited votes.

There are several cases of intimidation, ballot stuffing, mutilation of results, bye-passing the BVAS machine for accreditation, and indiscriminately allocating votes, these and many more reasons calls for a thorough check and review of the Adamawa Governorship election result.  

We also strongly advise and call on the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, to as a matter of fairness and equity, review and authenticate wherever there are discrepancies in the Adamawa State Governorship election results. This is one sure way to guarantee equity, fairness and  the acceptability of the Governorship results. 

We call on Hudu Haruna Ari, to remain courageous, bold and fearless as he oversees the remaining part of the exercise, ensuring a free, fair and acceptable election according to his oath of Office. 

Zakariya Hussieni

State Chairman,

Coalition Of Adamawa Youths For Democracy And Good Governance.