The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided an update regarding the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that during a recent interview on Channels TV, INEC spokesperson Festus Okoye disclosed that the police have concluded their investigations and the commission possesses substantial evidence to prosecute Yunusa-Ari.
“We are aware that the police have completed their investigations, and in the next few weeks, Nigerians will be promptly informed of the subsequent actions,” Okoye assured.
According to Okoye, it is INEC’s responsibility, as outlined by the law, to pursue the prosecution of Yunusa-Ari if a prima facie case is established against him.
“We have been engaging with the Nigeria Police Force, and the Independent National Electoral Commission has been involved in various processes leading to the investigation. We will soon take action concerning the Adamawa REC,” Okoye stated.
As previously reported by this newspaper, Yunusa-Ari controversially announced Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Adamawa State supplementary governorship election in April 2023, while the collation of results was still underway. INEC swiftly intervened, nullifying Yunusa-Ari’s decision to ensure a fair process.
Following the incident, Yunusa-Ari was suspended, and then President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a comprehensive investigation into the electoral commissioner and the security personnel present at the time of the declaration.
Subsequently, INEC concluded the election, declaring the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the rightful winner.
After going underground for several days, Yunusa-Ari was declared wanted by the Police. He turned himself in on May 2, 2023, and was subsequently granted bail on May 5, 2023.
While there have been few updates on the situation, it was brought up again during the recent interview. Okoye confirmed that INEC has been collaborating with the Police authorities, and a decision will be made public “very soon.”
