Adamawa Guber: Suspended REC Hudu Ari Asks Court to Halt Proceedings
The suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa State, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, on Thursday, pleaded with the Adamawa State High Court to adjourn indefinitely the case brought against him by the electoral body.
Ari, through his counsel, M. Tijanni, filed an application before the court presided over by Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan, requesting a stay of proceedings in the ongoing case. The application, dated January 21, 2025, seeks the court’s approval to halt proceedings until a ruling is made on his appeal, which is currently pending before the Court of Appeal, Yola Division, Adamawa State.
In response, the State Counsel, Chief L. D. Nzadon, strongly opposed Ari’s request, arguing that it was a direct violation of the rule of law and the administration of criminal justice. Chief Nzadon pointed out that according to the law governing criminal cases, no application related to criminal matters should be entertained by the court at this stage. He urged the court to dismiss Ari’s application.
After hearing the submissions from both parties, Justice Lawan adjourned the matter to January 30, 2025, for a ruling on whether the application should be granted.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Barr. Hudu Ari, during the 2023 general elections, controversially declared a winner in the Adamawa State governorship election before the official conclusion of the process, usurping the powers of the Returning Officer. His premature declaration sparked widespread outrage in the state and beyond.
As a result, Ari was suspended by the Federal Government under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He is now facing legal proceedings for electoral offences related to his actions during the election.
