The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken decisive action against a suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, by filing a six-count charge against him. The charges were presented at the High Court in Yola, the state capital, following a thorough review of the case file by INEC.

Festus Okoye, INEC’s spokesman, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday. The decision to file charges against Yunusa-Ari was based on the findings of the police, which established a prima facie case against him. The electoral body is determined to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that those found guilty of electoral misconduct face the appropriate legal consequences.

The statement read, “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 the commencement of trial.”

Yunusa-Ari had become embroiled in controversy following the supplementary election held in Adamawa on April 15, 2023. While the collation of results was still ongoing, he declared Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, sparking uproar and raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process. In response, INEC nullified Yunusa-Ari’s decision and suspended him, while former President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

Subsequently, INEC conducted a thorough review of the election, and Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared the legitimate winner of the drama-filled poll, assuming the position of incumbent governor.