INEC Urged to Act on Court Ruling Against Electoral Offenders

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to swiftly enforce a court judgment ordering the commission to pursue electoral offenders, including governors and deputies, from the 2023 general elections.

In a letter dated September 28, 2024, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare emphasized that INEC’s inaction is “unacceptable” and undermines the court’s authority. “The recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy,” Oluwadare stated.

The letter cited recent allegations of electoral offences in Edo state as evidence of INEC’s failure to learn from past issues ². SERAP urged INEC to take action within seven days or face contempt proceedings.

Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu’s July 18, 2024, ruling mandated INEC to investigate allegations of electoral offences, including bribery and vote-buying, against state governors and deputies. The court also ordered INEC to probe electoral violence, identify perpetrators, and ensure effective prosecution.

SERAP stressed that obeying the court judgment would protect Nigeria’s electoral and legal systems’ integrity . The organization expressed concern that INEC’s inaction contributes to electoral offences and impunity.

INEC has faced criticism for its handling of electoral issues, including the recent governorship election in Edo state. The commission must now decide whether to comply with the court ruling or risk contempt proceedings.