PDP Urges IGP to Arrest and Prosecute Former Adamawa REC, Ari

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Inspector General of Police to arrest and bring former Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari before the courts for prosecution.

The party claims that there is an immediate and present risk to democracy and the rule of law if Ari is not promptly and assiduously prosecuted for his alleged illegal activities during the Adamawa State governorship election in 2023.

During a press conference on Friday, Debo Ologungaba, the PDP’s national publicity secretary, said that Ari had blatantly tried to overthrow the country’s democratic constitution by attempting to impose an unconstitutional government in Adamawa State, which would have violated Section 1(2) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He also recalled how Ari illegally declared the defeated All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate the winner on Sunday, April 16, 2023, while the results were still being tallied, in an attempt to subvert the will of the people of Adamawa State in the Saturday, April 15, 2023, election.

According to the National Publicity Secretary, Ari’s actions amounted to a “civilian coup” that attempted to subvert the sovereignty of the country, precipitated a major crisis in Adamawa State, and jeopardised the peace and security of the country.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed Ari from office, and Governor Ahmed Fintiri was declared the legitimate and constitutionally elected governor of Adamawa State at the conclusion of the collation, according to the party spokesman. Since then, Ari has reportedly gone into hiding.

“Nigerians are invited to note that the Inspector General of Police is directed to apprehend Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari and produce him so that he can appear before the High Court of Justice of Adamawa State, No. 9, Yola Division, on May 21, 2024, to answer to the charges preferred against him,” he said.

He went on to say that the aforementioned court order was received by the Inspector General of Police’s office on May 23, 2024. He emphasised that the failure to prosecute Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari for his alleged criminal conduct promptly and diligently poses a clear and present threat to our democracy and the idea that everyone is subject to the law.

The party spokesman pointed out that the Nigerian police’s current failure to capture and prosecute Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari could set a dangerous precedent and inspire other public servants to behave carelessly, acting as though breaking the law and their oath of office would have no repercussions.

Consequently, the PDP directed the Inspector General of Police to promptly locate, apprehend, and present Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari for prosecution before the Court in accordance with the Court’s order.

He stated that the PDP is adamant that Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari be held fully accountable for his attack on our democracy and that there are rumours and concerns in the public domain that he has perfected plans to flee the nation and avoid prosecution.