INEC to write IGP, demand investigation, prosecution of Adamawa REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will write to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, to immediately investigate and prosecute the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari, for illegally announcing Aisha Dahiru of the All Winners Congress (APC) as the winner. in the state gubernatorial elections.

The Election Commission also said it will ask the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to draw the attention of the “misbehavior of the REK to the appointing authority for further action”.

This was contained in a brief statement posted on the commission’s Twitter handle on Tuesday shortly after a meeting in Abuja.

“At its meeting today, April 18, 2023, the Committee discussed matters arising from the Adamawa Governorship election and resolved to write to the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate and prosecute the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Adamawa State. Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari,” the committee wrote.

INEC also said the collection of results would resume as determined by the Returning Officer.

This will arrive barely 24 hours later the commission banned Mr. Ari From his premises in Adamawa and directed the state Administrative Secretary Adamu Gujungu to take over INEC activities in Adamawa.

Mr. Ari’s declaration of the illegal result on Sunday sparked controversy over the election results.

INEC declared REC’s announcement invalid, and suspended the collection of results.

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The commission said Mr. Ari’s action was a usurpation of the powers of the returning officer, who is empowered by law to collect and announce the result of the election.

Mrs. Dahiru, whose name is Binani, was illegally announced as the winner by Mr. Ari He approached the Federal Court In Abuja, to stop INEC from nullifying the announcement as the winner of the election.