BREAKING: INEC to commence prosecution of Adamawa REC, Yunusa-Ari for compromising Governorship election

Barring any last minute change, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has disclosed its readiness to prosecute the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari on Wednesday 12th July 2023.

In statement made available to CAPITAL POST by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye on Thursday in Abuja, said it has filed a six-count charge against the REC.

The embattled REC allegedly compromised the Adamawa State Governorship election where he declared Senator Aishatu Binani of the All Progressives Congress, APC winner contrary to hi statutory powers.

The Nigeria Police Force, NPF had arrested Yunusa-Ari over his conduct during the governorship election in Adamawa.

He was, however, granted administrative bail and asked to report to the headquarters of the NPF every weekday.

The statement reads: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday 6th July 2023, and discussed, among other issues, the progress with the prosecution of electoral offenders.

“It would be recalled that at the meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) two days ago on Tuesday 4th July 2023, the Commission confirmed the receipt of case files from the Nigeria Police following the conclusion of investigation into alleged electoral offences during the 2023 General Election, including the one involving the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) deployed to Adamawa State, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari.

The Commission also assured Nigerians of immediate action on the matter.

“As provided by Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, an offence committed under the Act shall be triable in a Magistrate Court or a High Court of a State in which the offence is committed, or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Furthermore, Section 145(2) of the Act provides that a prosecution under the Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission, or any legal practitioner appointed by it.

“Having reviewed the case file from the Police which established a prima facie case against Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, the Commission has filed a six-count charge against him at the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola. Consequently, the Court has fixed Wednesday 12th July 2023 for commencement of trial.

“Meanwhile, the Commission is working with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for the diligent prosecution of other cases.”