Supreme Court Upholds Fintiri’s Victory in Adamawa: APC’s Binani Loses Bid

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has upheld the election of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri in Adamawa State, dismissing the appeal brought by Aisha Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice John Okoro, who delivered the lead judgment, deemed Dahiru’s appeal lacking in merit.

Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani) of the APC

The crux of the matter revolved around the conduct of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Ari, characterized by the court as irresponsible and criminal. Justice Okoro emphasized that the authority to announce election results rests solely with the returning officer to avert chaos and uphold the electoral process, as mandated by the Electoral Act.

The controversy arose when INEC declared the Adamawa governorship election inconclusive on March 20, 2023. Fintiri had initially scored 421,524 votes, while Binani garnered 390,275. With the margin between them less than the total number of potential voters in affected polling units, a supplementary election was scheduled for April 15.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State

During collation, REC Hudu Yunusa-Ari declared Binani the winner in the absence of the returning officer, leading to a nullification by INEC. The final results, after resolving the controversy, showed Binani with 398,788 votes and Fintiri with 430,861, securing his victory.

The aftermath saw the suspension and arrest of Yunusa-Ari, who was handed over to the police for prosecution. The Supreme Court’s verdict reinforces Fintiri’s mandate as the duly elected Governor of Adamawa State.

Written by Boom RadioNG