INEC Replies Sacked Adamawa REC, Challenges Him To Defend Actions In Court
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed fresh claims made by the sacked Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, insisting that the courts, not press conferences are the appropriate venue for him to justify his actions during the controversial 2023 governorship election.
Osun Defender recalls that Yunusa-Ari, who was removed from office for unlawfully declaring Senator Aishatu Dahiru (Binani) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner while collation was still ongoing, resurfaced over the weekend at a press briefing in Bauchi.
During the briefing, he accused INEC of suppressing evidence that allegedly proved Binani’s victory, insisting that the commission ignored crucial documents that could have altered the election outcome.
Despite being suspended on 17th April 2023 and facing allegations of accepting a ₦2 billion bribe to announce Binani as the winner, Yunusa-Ari maintains that he acted lawfully.
His failure to appear in court on multiple occasions, coupled with reports of him fleeing to Niger Republic, has fuelled calls for his immediate arrest.
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Reacting to his latest statements, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, dismissed Yunusa-Ari’s remarks as lacking any new substance.
He stressed that the dispute over the Adamawa governorship election had already been settled through the judicial process, culminating in a final ruling by the Supreme Court.
“Our attention has been drawn to the interview granted by the former REC of Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari. There is nothing new in what he said,” Oyekanmi stated.
He further noted that INEC would refrain from commenting on the propriety of Yunusa-Ari’s conduct during the final stages of the election, as the matter remains before the High Court in Yola.
“Now that he is back in the country, the right place to prove his innocence and the propriety of his actions is by availing himself for the due process of law and not a press conference,” Oyekanmi added.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
