The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, AKA Binani, has denied any involvement in the alleged bribery scandal involving the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari.
The female politician stated that she is a committed democrat who would never subvert the democratic process. "I wish to reiterate that I am a democrat, I have always been a committed democrat and will never do anything to subvert democratic process. I am not a do-or-die politician," the statement read.
Binani went further to clarify that the alleged confession by the REC was made under duress, as he was being tortured at gunpoint by agents of the Adamawa State Governor and the Government House police team alongside their political thugs.
The Binani bribe scandal
Yunusa, announced Binani as the winner, even when the resumption of the collation of results scheduled for 11 am on Sunday, April 15, 2023, had yet to start.
This was done by the REC and not the returning officer, as provided by the Electoral Act.
In a viral video online, the REC, Yunusa confessed to receiving a ₦2 billion bribe to announce Binani as the winner of the election.
However, Binani has refuted the claims in a statement released late on Tuesday, April 17, 2023.
What you should know: Eventually, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Ahmadu Fintiri, of the Peoples Democratic Party, as the winner of the Adamawa State governorship election, on Tuesday, April 17, 2023, after polling 430,861 votes to defeat Binani.
Author's Takeout: The bribery scandal has caused a stir in the state, with many calling for an investigation into the matter. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.