Justice Donatus Okorowo of a Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from prosecuting the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, over his declaration of Aisha Dahiru of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) as governor in the March 18 poll.
The court Judgement followed an Exparte motion filed by Dahiru’s counsel, Michael Aondoaka, SAN, who argued that until the election petition tribunal decides the fate of his client, the prosecution of Yunusa-Ari cannot be said to be valid.
He explained that the decision of INEC to file an action against any person involved in Dahiru’s April 15 declaration as winner of the supplementary poll in Adamawa before the Tribunal completes proceedings would deprive the APC governorship candidate of the time needed to challenge the victory of her opponent and Governor of Adamawa, Umaru Fintiri.
After listening to Andoaka, Justice Okorowo ordered the parties to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the matter and adjourned the matter until July 18 for hearing.