Adamawa State Governorship Tribunal Upholds Umaru Fintiri’s Re-Election

Umaru Fintiri has secured his re-election as the Governor of Adamawa State following the recent decision by the Adamawa State Governorship Election Tribunal.

The tribunal, headed by Justice Theodora Uloho, dismissed claims made by Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, the governorship candidate from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a lack of merit in her case.

The tribunal’s ruling emphasised that Umaru Fintiri had fully met the requirements set out by electoral law, affirming his legitimate re-election.

In contrast, Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru and other petitioners failed to substantiate their claims.

The electoral process in Adamawa State was a complex one, culminating in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaring Umaru Fintiri, a candidate representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the victor.

Fintiri garnered 430,861 votes, ultimately defeating Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, who received 398,738 votes.

The election results faced legal challenges, leading to this tribunal’s proceedings.

A noteworthy twist occurred when Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State at the time, declared ‘Binani’ as the winner during a supplementary election while the results were still being collated.

However, INEC later invalidated Yunusa-Ari’s announcement, suspending him from duty.

Furthermore, following a directive from President Muhammadu Buhari, a comprehensive investigation was launched into the actions of the electoral commissioner and the involvement of security personnel at the time.

Subsequently, INEC completed the election process, affirming Umaru Fintiri as the lawful winner and leading to the arrest and prosecution of Yunusa-Ari.

Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru aimed to have Yunusa-Ari’s announcement upheld or, in the alternative, to have the election nullified, with a request for a fresh poll.

However, the tribunal’s ruling highlighted that Umaru Fintiri’s re-election was in full compliance with electoral laws and that the petitioners could not provide evidence to the contrary.

The tribunal also declared Yunusa-Ari’s announcement void.

The decision sparked celebrations among jubilant supporters of the PDP, who gathered at the tribunal’s premises, chanting songs of solidarity.

In response to the verdict, Governor Umaru Fintiri expressed his appreciation for the judiciary’s role and characterised the judgement as a triumph for democracy and the people of Adamawa State.

Source: Channels TV