The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has hinted that its embattled Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa Ari, may have taken to his heels following his controversial role in the just-concluded governorship election in Adamawa State.
This is because the commission said Yunusa’s whereabouts are unknown and remained incommunicado since his infamous action on Sunday, April 16, 2023.
The REC caused quite a stir when he usurped the power of the Returning Officer for the election, sneaked into the collation centre, and declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, popularly known as Binani, the winner while collation was not yet concluded.
Though INEC, in a swift reaction, summoned Yunusa to its headquarters in Abuja and subsequently asked the Federal Government to suspend him pending an investigation into his action, the commission said it has not been able to track down the rogue official since then.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Friday, April 21, 2023, INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye said “We don’t know where he is because, after this particular incident, the Commission wrote him and also called him on the phone. He never returned any of the calls, he never answered any of the calls.
“We asked him to report to the Commission on Sunday we didn’t see him, we asked him to report on Monday we didn’t see him. So up till this moment, he has not reported and we don’t know his whereabouts.”
Asked if he thinks the hiding REC should be declared wanted for evading the commission, Okoye said that call solely lies with the Nigerian Police.
“Well, that is the responsibility of the Nigerian police. If they feel that his presence is absolutely needed during the investigation and he is nowhere to be found, it is their prerogative and discretion to declare him wanted,” he said.
Speaking further, Okoye disclosed that the commission had received a report from the Inspector General of Police, adding that the process to commence the REC’s prosecution is underway.
“We wrote to the Inspector General of Police and Secretary to the Government of the Federation. We have received a response from the Inspector General of Police and they have already commenced an investigation.
“My understanding is that the moment the Inspector General of Police concludes the investigation regarding the REC and every other individual who is involved and a prima facie case is established against the REC the file will be made available to the commission and the commission will begin prosecution of the REC,” he added.
