~ Express hope of Binani’s victory at election tribunal
All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Yola South have called on the federal government to launch a comprehensive investigation into the last guvernorship election in Adamawa state in order to unravel the alleged electoral heists and infractions perpetrated by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The stakeholders during a press conference in Yola, on Saturday expressed hope that the guvernorship candidate of APC will reclaim her mandate if an unbiased and independent inquest is conducted.
Spokesman of the group, Alh. Idrisu Baba Attah urged the federal government to take up the gauntlet to prevent the state government from using its powers to compromise the process.
He noted that the ruling party in the state has bastardized the electoral process through massive infractions which robbed the process of the needed credibility to return a legitimate winner as announced by INEC.
Attah noted that despite the massive electoral infractions, Binani won the electoral contest as espoused by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barr. Hudu Ari who has the mandate and the courage to call the bluff of those who wanted to truncate the process for self serving purposes.
“Binani convincingly won the guvernorship election in the state despite the massive, monumental and alarming rigging which was witnessed across the State but particularly, in Fufore Local Government Area.
“Distinguished Senator Aishatu Ahmed Dahiru (Binani) was able to courageously fight through and thoroughly defeat the PDP. To this end, we cannot but loudly proclaim Banani as the heroine of our time.
“In addition, being an indigene of Yola and Adamawa State and coming from a society which ill-informed Nigerians call conservative North, she will insha Allah emerge as the first female elected Governor in Nigeria.
“In this regard, we welcome an impartial investigation on the entire conduct of the 2023 elections in Adamawa State by the Federal Government not the State Government whose impartiality in this case is questionable.
“An impartial investigation which should include the conduct of INEC officials at the National level, the attack and brutalization of the INEC Commissioner and the DSS and all other State Actors who participated in the attempt to truncate the democratic processes in Adamawa State,” Attah said.
Attah who chided some APC elements in Yola South LG whom he referred to as renegades and the activities of “commercial Islamic scholars” said their negative and destructive propaganda against the female candidate could not prevent her from winning the contest through legal votes.
“Indeed we have all witnessed how some religious “scholars/leaders” and organizations shamelessly, did, for pecuniary reasons vigorously campaigned against Binani. The attitude and conduct of these so-called “scholars” was not surprising. For, as far back as over 200 years ago, Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, did, correctly describe such scholars as Ulama as su’i meaning intellectual prostitutes.
“We have noted and witnessed that, the conduct of those so-called sponsored religious scholars is a gross violation of international bill of rights as contained in the “convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women” which was adopted in 1979 by the United Nation General Assembly.
“That convention clearly defines discrimination against women as “…any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field”.
“The people of Yola – South and Adamawa have also noted and witnessed the reprehensible role played by some renegade elements within the APC who are bent on undermining by whatever means possible people’s political/electoral victory in Adamawa State. Our peace loving people have also witnessed and noted the unprecedented escalation of ethno-religious tension in Adamawa State including Yola-South LGA,” he said.
He noted that unlike bunch of Abuja politicians who have been taking away from the purse of Adamawa people, Binani’s popularity stems from her overaching populist disposition and philanthropy which she has dispensed to the people over the years.
“Unlike the bunch of Abuja political opportunists and who over years raked up the resources of the people of Adamawa and Nigeria and often masquerade themselves as men of honour and integrity, Binani right from the onset presented herself as a political leader imbued with sense of humility and the innate desire to uplift and support all the disadvantaged and marginalized communities in Adamawa State.
“Her records as member of House of Representatives and later Senate always stand her out as a true testimony of who is Binani. A political outing which has not only provided her with requisite political experience but also strengthens her capacity and determination to contest for the Governorship of Adamawa State,” he added.
The group hailed the embattled ousted REC of Adamawa State Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari for his courage and doggedness at ensuring that the right thing is done.
“The people and stakeholders of Yola-South and Adamawa noted with dismay how the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa State was subjected to brutal media trial without bothering to investigate the motive behind his actions.
“Finally, let me assure you all, we the people of Yola-South solemnly declare and resolve to continue supporting Binani, vigorously and to politically isolate all those involved in the attempt to truncate her victory.
“We also resolve to maintain peace and order, respect the dignity and sanctity of human life, protect and defend our democratic rights and gains. In this regard, I call on all the good people of Yola – South LGA to remain calm and await the outcome of our petition at the election tribunal. I am confident the tribunal will do justice and return our candidate elected,” he said.
The electoral contest has thrown up a lot of dust after the Resident Electoral Commissioner declared the APC the guvernorship candidate an action that was later upturned by INEC which declared governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as the governor elect.
This paper learnt that Binani has since filed a lawsuit to challenge the declaration of Fintiri as the substantive governor of Adamawa State.
