INEC Set To Take Action Against Suspended Adamawa REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it would “soon” take action on the case of suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari.

INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.

While confirming that the police have concluded investigations on the matter, the INEC spokesman said the electoral umpire has enough proof to establish a case against Yunusa-Ari.

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 made out against him.”

It could be recalled that Yunusa-Ari came under fire after the supplementary election in Adamawa on April 15, 2023, after he announced Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the dramatic poll while the collation of results was ongoing.

INEC, however, nullified Yunusa-Ari’s decision and suspended him while former President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a full investigation on the electoral commissioner and the security personnel that were around him when he made the declaration.

When asked on Thursday whether INEC has enough evidence to establish a case against Yunusa-Ari, Okoye said, “Yes.”

He said the police and the electoral commission were in talks during the probe of the embattled INEC official and a decision 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.”