The suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, has been barred by a federal high court sitting in Abuja from being prosecuted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over his declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Aisha Dahiru, as governor in the March 18 poll.
Justice Donatus Okorowo issued the order after Michael Aondoaka (SAN), counsel to Dahiru, presented an ex-parte motion following a lawsuit filed by APC governorship candidate, Aisha Dahiru.
Aondoaka argued that the election petition tribunal should decide the fate of his client in accordance with Section 149 of the Electoral Act, 2022, making the prosecution of Yunusa-Ari invalid.
He further contended that INEC’s action would deprive Dahiru of the 180 days allowed by Section 285(6) of the law for her petition to be considered, as the tribunal is yet to determine her petition.
Aondoaka referenced a previous suit before Justice Inyang Ekwo, where a judicial review of INEC’s action was sought, and emphasized their readiness to bear any cost should the court find their case frivolous.
Following this, Justice Okorowo ordered the parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the matter. The case was adjourned until July 18, with the respondents directed to show cause on why the reliefs sought by Dahiru should not be granted.