The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly dismissed recent claims by Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, reiterating that courts – not press conferences—are the appropriate avenue to address election disputes.
The commission’s response follows Yunusa-Ari’s weekend press briefing in Bauchi, where he alleged INEC suppressed evidence favoring Senator Aishatu Dahiru (Binani) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 governorship election.
Background
Yunusa-Ari was suspended in April 2023 after prematurely declaring Binani the election winner while collation was ongoing, a move widely condemned as unconstitutional.
His actions sparked national outrage, with INEC nullifying his declaration and completing the collation process, which confirmed Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner.
Despite his suspension, Yunusa-Ari has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, including allegations of accepting a ₦2 billion bribe to manipulate results.
Following his dismissal, Yunusa-Ari faced multiple legal summons but failed to appear in court, prompting reports of his flight to Niger Republic.
His recent return to Nigeria and public accusations against INEC have intensified calls for his arrest.
The commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, clarified that Yunusa-Ari’s latest statements offered no new insights, as the Supreme Court had already conclusively resolved the Adamawa governorship dispute in January 2024.
INEC’s Stance
Oyekanmi emphasized that INEC would not engage in public debates over Yunusa-Ari’s conduct, noting the matter is subjudice and pending before the Yola High Court.
“The substantive issue has been legally settled,” he said. “If Yunusa-Ari seeks to prove his innocence, he must submit to the judicial system, not media platforms.”
This stance aligns with INEC’s commitment to due process, reinforcing its position as an impartial arbiter in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
The commission’s refusal to entertain Yunusa-Ari’s claims underscores its adherence to legal protocols and institutional integrity. By redirecting focus to the courts, INEC aims to deter attempts to undermine electoral outcomes through unverified public narratives.
Legal experts, including Abuja-based constitutional lawyer Kalu Agu, support this approach, noting that “only judicial scrutiny can validate or dismiss such serious allegations” (Premium Times, 2023).
Upholding Electoral Integrity**
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic processes, INEC’s response highlights the necessity of resolving disputes through established legal frameworks.
Yunusa-Ari’s case serves as a reminder of the consequences of bypassing electoral guidelines and the importance of accountability in maintaining public trust.