The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has requested the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate investigation and prosecution of the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari.
The suspension of Ari was due to his unlawful announcement of Aisha Ahmed, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Adamawa state governorship election.
This announcement was deemed unlawful as it is the responsibility of the State Returning Officer for the election.
The incident has caused widespread concern and prompted further investigation into the matter.
A security operative, identified as an assistant director with the State Security Service, was caught and later admitted that they were given Two Billion Naira to make the announcement.
In response to this, INEC has requested that the Police investigate the matter and initiate possible prosecution of the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
The Commission has also notified the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the appointing authority (the President), to take further action against the REC.
In addition to this, INEC has assured the public that the collation of the remaining results of the election will resume “at a time to be determined by the Returning Officer”.
The electoral umpire wrote on its official Facebook page:
BREAKING NEWS
At its meeting today, 18th April 2023, the Commission discussed matters arising from the Adamawa Governorship election and decided to:
1. Write to the Inspector-General of Police for the immediate investigation and possible prosecution of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari.
2. Request the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to draw the attention of the appointing authority to the unwholesome behaviour of the REC for further action.
3. The collation process shall resume at a time to be determined by the Returning Officer.
