INEC Files 6-Count Charge Against Suspended Adamawa REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has filed a six-count charge against Hudu Yunusa-Ari, its suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).

INEC filed the charges at the high court in Yola, the state capital.

In a statement on Thursday, INEC said it took the action after reviewing the case file from the police which established a prima facie case against Yunusa-Ari.

The Police had arrested Yunusa-Ari over his actions during Adamawa State governorship election. He was granted administrative bail, then asked to report to the headquarters of the NPF every weekday.

Last month, INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, said the commission will “soon” take action on the case.

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.”

Yunusa-Ari’s problems started after the supplementary election in Adamawa on April 15.

He announced Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the dramatic poll while the collation of results was still ongoing.

INEC 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.

INEC then concluded the election and announced the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the authentic winner of the drama-filled poll.