THE INTEGRITY OF JUSTICE AND DEMOCRACY: A Look At Barr. HUDU YUNUSA-ARI Case

THE INTEGRITY OF JUSTICE AND DEMOCRACY: A Look At Barr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari Case

The International Organization for Peacebuilding and Social Justice is launching a series on delayed justice. This initiative aims to highlight cases where justice has been prolonged, providing a critical lens through which the effectiveness of our judicial system can be assessed. The cases will be presented in no particular order, as our research team diligently examines and compiles relevant matters for public awareness. This publication marks the first in the series.

Justice is the foundation of any thriving democracy. When justice is swift and fair, it strengthens national institutions, reinforces public confidence, and ensures that the rule of law is upheld. But when justice is delayed—especially in cases of electoral misconduct—it sends a dangerous message: that accountability is optional, that impunity is tolerated, and that democratic principles can be subverted without consequence.

As an organization committed to peacebuilding and social justice, we recognize that election integrity is not just about one event—it is about the future of governance, leadership, and public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process. Any electoral process marred by controversy or unresolved legal proceedings casts a long shadow over the credibility of our institutions. This is why justice must be served swiftly and transparently.

WHY TIMELY JUSTICE MATTERS

Electoral integrity is the heartbeat of any democratic society. The 2023 general elections in Adamawa State raised critical questions about the sanctity of the electoral process, the role of public officials in upholding due process, and the legal and ethical consequences of actions taken during elections.

The law is clear on matters of election conduct, with provisions in the Electoral Act and Nigerian Criminal Code designed to prevent irregularities. Yet, when legal proceedings on critical electoral issues are unnecessarily prolonged, it creates uncertainty and fuels speculation that the law does not work equally for all. This is a dangerous precedent.

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BEYOND INDIVIDUALS: STRENGTHENING OUR DEMOCRACY

This is not about any single individual or seeking to vilify any person. Justice serves a greater purpose—it is about clarity, fairness, and ensuring that no one is left in limbo, neither the accused nor the electorate. If a person accused of electoral malpractice is innocent, they deserve exoneration so that their name is not unfairly associated with wrongdoing. But if laws have been broken, the legal process must affirm accountability.

The delay in concluding electoral cases does more harm than good. It erodes faith in the judiciary, discourages citizen participation in governance, and weakens democratic structures. Democracy thrives when people believe in the credibility of elections and the institutions that uphold them. The longer we allow these issues to remain unresolved, the more we risk compromising the very foundation of our nation’s democratic future.

A CALL TO ACTION FOR A JUST SYSTEM

We call on the Federal Government, the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and all relevant authorities to ensure that electoral justice is delivered without delay. The integrity of our legal system is at stake. A nation cannot build strong democratic institutions if justice is selective or delayed.

We urge all stakeholders to prioritize electoral justice, not as a political tool, but as a commitment to upholding the rule of law. Justice must be done—and must be seen to be done—so that faith in the democratic process is restored, and future generations can believe in the power of their votes.

WHAT IS AT STAKE? THE URGENT NEED FOR JUSTICE

Justice delayed is justice denied—not just for one individual, but for an entire nation. The unresolved allegations surrounding Barr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari are a test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law. If the accusations against him are false, he deserves to be exonerated without delay. If they are true, justice must be served decisively and transparently. Either way, the courts must act to restore public confidence in the electoral and judicial systems.

This is about more than one man—it is about the future of Nigeria. Elections are the bedrock of democracy, and the judiciary is its guardian. When these institutions fail, social justice crumbles, and faith in governance erodes. The prolonged delay in resolving this matter threatens the credibility of our democracy and sets a dangerous precedent: that electoral fraud can go unpunished, that the law is weak, and that future offenders can manipulate the system without fear.

Here are the opinions gathered from our research that the courts need to resolve. The opinions suggest that the legal implications of Hudu’s actions are undeniable. His conduct violated multiple provisions of Nigerian law, including;

• Section 120 of the Electoral Act (2022) – Criminalizes unlawful announcement of election results.
• Section 123 of the Electoral Act (2022) – Prohibits electoral fraud and misconduct.
• Sections 364 and 366 of the Nigerian Criminal Code – Relating to forgery and abuse of office.

We do not know what the truth is that is why the courts are there. If an electoral offense this serious (granted that it is so) is allowed to linger without consequence, it sends a dangerous message: that the law is weak, that impunity is tolerated, and that future electoral offenders can act without fear.

Nigeria must choose a different path. Every day without resolution weakens our democracy. Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done. We demand clarity, fairness, and justice that is swift, firm, and uncompromised.

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Nigeria deserves better. The people deserve clarity. And democracy demands accountability.

#JusticeForDemocracy #ElectoralIntegrity #RuleOfLaw #StrongerNigeria #DemocracyInAction

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Sam Odey
Project Manager
International Organization for Peace Building and Social Justice