The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) Adamawa State Chapter, comprising of 37 political parties, has passed a vote of confidence on the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Adamawa State, Barr Hudu Haruna Ari.
In a press conference Friday, the Conference led by Comrade Jafaru Abba Girei said, “we hold the view that calling for the removal of the REC whose life is threatened for refusing to submit to undemocratic excesses, executive tyranny to consider doctored results announced under duress by a returning officer who was bundled like a criminal at a police station in Fufore rather than at collation centre as infringement of his human right, professional calling, abuse of due process and disrespect to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the rule of law. It is most unfortunate.
“The REC who would not sell his conscience to compromise his duty in building a democratic society of our positive dreams, in spite of the threat to life, has boldly identified undeniable lapses associated with the March 18, governorship election in Adamawa state that had received widespread criticism following allegations of irregularities occasioned by security lapses, compromise by some INEC officials, results swapping, doctoring and declaration of results under duress among other constraints that resulted in the declaration of the election as inconclusive.
“The incorruptible Resident Electoral Commissioner, in our opinion, remains a hero of democracy who deserves a national honour when he must have successfully completed his assignment with the conduct of supplementary governorship election in Adamawa State that he assured would be credible and acceptable.
“In this regard, while we commend the efforts of the uncompromising military that guaranteed the security of the life of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, we are calling on the electorate to join the popular call in condemning election violence, intimidation and threat to Barr Hudu Ari, the REC’s life to be able to complete the supplementary election slated for April 15, 2023”.
