ABUJA, Nigeria – In a startling development that underscores the high-stakes game of Nigerian politics, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, was arrested on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Abuja. The arrest comes in the wake of a contentious supplementary poll in which the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Aisha Dahiru Ahmed, was declared the winner under controversial circumstances.
Confirming the arrest, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated in a release, “The arrest of Mr. Yunusa-Ari is a result of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) call to investigate potential irregularities in the recent supplementary poll.”
The INEC had issued a call for Yunusa-Ari’s arrest following the contested declaration of Ahmed as the victor in the supplementary gubernatorial poll, a move that ignited widespread public debate and opened up old wounds about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Yunusa-Ari’s arrest in Nigeria’s capital signifies a significant step forward in the INEC’s attempt to cleanse the electoral system of perceived manipulations and illegitimacies.
“The events of today show that no one is above the law,” Adejobi stated, emphasizing the commitment of the police force to uphold democratic principles. “We affirm our dedication to ensuring a transparent electoral process. Anyone found tampering with the will of the people will face the full extent of the law,” he added.
Details surrounding the arrest remain scarce, but Yunusa-Ari is expected to face charges related to electoral fraud. His arrest sends a potent message to other election officials and participants that malpractices will not be tolerated.
Despite the high-profile arrest, concerns about Nigeria’s electoral integrity persist. Many will be watching keenly to see how this case unfolds, hoping it will set a precedent for holding electoral officials accountable.
The story continues to unfold and we will provide updates as new information emerges.
