Hudu Yunusa Ari, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) posted to Adamawa State for the 2023 governorship election, has been charged.
While collation was still proceeding, Ari announced Aisha Binani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, as the victor of the race.
INEC quickly responded to Ari’s action, declaring Governor Ahmadu Fintiri the election winner.
Following the end of the elections, INEC filed a six-count prosecution against Ari in an Adamawa State High Court.
Ari’s prosecution was discussed during INEC’s weekly meeting on electoral offender prosecution, according to a statement signed by the body’s spokesman, Festus Okoye.
Okoye said in a statement:
“It will be recalled that two days ago, on Tuesday 4th July 2023, the Commission confirmed the receipt of case files from the Nigeria Police following the conclusion of the 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 that action would be taken immediately.” An offence committed under the Electoral Act 2022 shall be [tried] in a Magistrate Court or a High Court of the state in which the offence is committed, or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as provided in Section 145 (1) of the Act.
“Furthermore, Section 145 (2) of the act states that any prosecution brought under the act must be handled by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it.”
“After reviewing the Police case file, which established a prima facie case against Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, the Commission filed a six-count charge against him at the Adamawa State High Court in Yola.” As a result, the Court has scheduled the trial to begin on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
“In the meantime, the Commission is collaborating with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to diligently prosecute other cases.”
Mismob Media