The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will soon address the case of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari.
Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner of INEC, shared this information during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Thursday.
Okoye revealed that the police have completed their investigations into the matter. He further stated that INEC possesses substantial evidence to build a case against Yunusa-Ari.
The electoral commission spokesperson emphasized that INEC is committed to upholding transparency and integrity in the electoral process. As such, appropriate actions will be taken in light of the investigation findings to ensure that the matter is resolved in accordance with the law.
“Okoye 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 made out against him.”
The suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, faced significant backlash following the supplementary election in April 2023. During the ongoing collation of results, Yunusa-Ari announced Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, sparking controversy. In response, INEC nullified his decision, suspended him, and initiated a full investigation, as ordered by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Subsequently, INEC concluded the election and declared Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the legitimate winner. For over two weeks, Yunusa-Ari’s whereabouts remained unknown until he surrendered to the police on May 2, 2023. He was later granted bail on May 5, 2023, leaving Nigerians curious about the progress of the case.
During an interview on Thursday, Festus Okoye, a National Commissioner of INEC, confirmed that the commission has sufficient evidence to establish a case against Yunusa-Ari. He further disclosed that discussions took place between the police and INEC during the investigation, and a decision regarding the case will be made “very soon.”
Okoye said, “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.”