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Enforce Judgment On Electoral Crimes Or Face Contempt, SERAP Tells INEC

Published

3 months ago

Sep 29, 2024.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to enforce a recent court ruling mandating INEC to investigate and prosecute electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on July 18, 2024, was a response to a lawsuit filed by SERAP, urging INEC to address cases of electoral bribery and violence, especially involving state governors and their deputies.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that In a letter dated September 28, 2024, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that INEC’s failure to comply with the court order is undermining Nigeria’s electoral integrity.

SERAP expressed concern over recurring electoral offences, particularly in Edo State, and warned that failure to act could lead to further impunity in upcoming elections in states like Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa.

Justice Egwuatu’s ruling instructed INEC to appoint independent counsel to investigate electoral offences such as bribery, vote-buying, and undue influence.

The court also directed INEC to prosecute individuals involved in electoral violence and other related crimes during the 2023 elections.

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The judgment further underscored the importance of INEC adhering to its constitutional duties, as outlined in both the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.

SERAP warned that continued inaction would erode public trust in the electoral system and violate court directives, which mandate that all authorities comply with legal judgments.

They urged INEC to take immediate steps to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law in Nigeria’s electoral processes.