The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will be taking action soon regarding the case of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari.
This update was shared by INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday. Okoye revealed that the police have completed their investigations into the matter.
Furthermore, he stated that INEC possesses sufficient evidence to build a case against Yunusa-Ari. Hence, the electoral body is prepared to proceed with appropriate measures in response to the situation.
He said: “I am aware that the police have concluded investigations and I am aware that in the next few weeks, Nigerians will be informed of what will happen.
“Under the law, it is the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission to prosecute him (Ari) if a prima facie case has been made out against him.”
He added: “There has been some level of interface between the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission and the commission was involved in some of the processes leading to the investigation. Very soon, the commission will take action relating to the Adamawa REC.”
Yunusa-Ari faced severe criticism following the supplementary election in Adamawa on April 15, 2023. During the ongoing process of result collation, he controversially declared Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, which led to a significant uproar.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) invalidated Yunusa-Ari’s declaration and suspended him from his position. Additionally, former President Muhammadu Buhari instructed a thorough investigation into the electoral commissioner’s actions and the security personnel present at the time of the announcement.
