The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to arrest and prosecute Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State.
This demand follows a court order from the Adamawa State High Court, Yola, issued on May 21, which mandates the IGP to apprehend Yunusa-Ari for declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Aishatu Dahiru (aka Binani), as the winner of the April 15, 2023, governorship election, a move deemed an attempt to usurp the powers of the state returning officer.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that Yunusa-Ari’s actions amounted to a “civilian coup” and an effort to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. He noted that Yunusa-Ari has been on the run since his suspension and warned that the delay in his prosecution poses a significant threat to the country’s democracy and rule of law. The court’s order was received by the IGP’s office on May 23.
The spokesman said: “The failure of the Nigerian police so far to apprehend and bring Yunusa-Ari to justice is capable of creating a bad precedence and encourage other public officers to act with impunity.”
“There is tendency for them to behave as if there are no consequences for acts contrary to law and their Oath of Office.”
“This is especially as there are allegations and apprehension in the public space that Yunusa-Ari has perfected plans to escape from the country and evade trial.”
“The PDP insists that Yunusa-Ari must be made to face the full wrath of the law for his assault against our democracy.”