The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun to expedite the arrest and prosecution of Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa.
PDP’s national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, addressed a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, emphasizing that arresting and prosecuting Yunusa-Ari would be in compliance with a court order.
Yunusa-Ari was suspended following an attempt to overstep his authority by declaring Aishatu Binani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, the winner of the April 15, 2023, Adamawa governorship election, while the result compilation was still incomplete. Ologunagba characterized Yunusa-Ari’s actions as a “civilian coup” and a blatant attempt to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
The High Court of Justice of Adamawa State, No. 9, Yola Division, issued a warrant for Yunusa-Ari’s arrest on May 21, 2024, mandating the Inspector General of Police to apprehend and present Yunusa-Ari before the court to face charges. The IGP’s office received the court order on May 23.
Since his suspension, Yunusa-Ari has evaded capture, leading Ologunagba to warn that the delay in his prosecution poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.
He argued that the inability of the Nigerian police to apprehend Yunusa-Ari could set a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging other public officials to act with impunity.
“The failure of the Nigerian police so far to apprehend and bring Yunusa-Ari to justice is capable of creating bad precedence and encouraging other public officers to act with impunity,” Ologunagba stated. He further highlighted concerns that Yunusa-Ari might be planning to flee the country to avoid trial.
The PDP has urged the Inspector General of Police to promptly locate, arrest, and present Yunusa-Ari for prosecution as mandated by the court. “The PDP insists that Yunusa-Ari must be made to face the full wrath of the law for his assault against our democracy,” Ologunagba declared.
As the situation unfolds, the PDP remains adamant that ensuring accountability in this matter is critical to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and democratic governance.