The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has filed a six-count charge at the Yola High Court against its suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari.
The commission had earlier referred the embattled TEC to the Nigeria Police to investigate his alleged role on the falsely declaration of senator Aisha Binani, as winner of the re run governorship election in the state.
INEC, in a statement issued after the commission’s meeting today, 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.
The INEC statement which was signed by National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye, read in part: “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, as winner of the poll while collation of results was still ongoing.
INEC, however, nullified Yunusa-Ari’s decision and suspended him. Former President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a full investigation of the electoral commissioner and the security personnel that were around him when he made the declaration.
The commission concluded the election and returned the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, as winner of the poll.
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