2023 Elections: Hudu Not Arrested, Personally Honoured Interpol Invitation – Source

• Barr Hudu Yunusa Ari Personally Honoured Interpol Invitation in Abuja according to the source

An anonymous source has revealed that contrary to earlier reports, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa State, Barr Hudu Yunusa Ari, and two National Electoral Commissioners, Prof Abdullahi Zuru and Dr Bala Bila, were not arrested but were personally honoured with an invitation by Interpol.

According to the source, the INEC officers responded to the invitation by Interpol regarding the recent Adamawa State Governorship election saga. Barrister Hudu appeared in person at the Interpol’s office in Abuja at 8 am on Tuesday, while the two National Commissioners, Prof Abdullahi Zuru and Dr Bala Bila, appeared at about 11 am.

INEC spokesperson, Festus Okoye, was also among the people invited to appear before the Interpol team.

The source at the Interpol in Abuja further confirmed that the INEC officials were not arrested, but rather honoured the letter of invitation they received.

It can be recalled that letters of invitation to the INEC officials involved in the Adamawa Governorship election went viral on social media a few days ago.

Barrister Hudu also granted an interview to the BBC, where he acknowledged being invited and promised to honour the invitation, among other brief revelations about the election.

This development comes amidst growing concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding the 2023 governorship elections in Adamawa State.

Hudu Yunusa Ari, prematurely declared Binani as the winner, contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Section 25 of the Electoral Act, 2022 empowers only the returning officer to announce the result and declare the winner of an election at the state collation centre in the case of the election of a governor of a state.

In response, the INEC has reiterated its commitment to conducting free and fair elections, and to ensuring that all those involved in any wrongdoing are held accountable.

It is essential to note that the reports of the arrest of the INEC officials were untrue, and they only honoured an invitation from Interpol. This development underscores the need for responsible journalism and fact-checking in Nigeria’s media space, as misinformation and sensationalism can have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democracy and stability.

theGazetteNGR

Got a story?

If you’ve got a breaking news tip, celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the theGazetteNGR entertainment team by emailing us tips@thegazettengr.com, calling 08051600130 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.