2023 Elections: “Prosecute governors involved in bribery, electoral offences” — SERAP tells INEC chairman
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, to act swiftly and effectively on the court’s decision that mandates INEC to pursue cases of bribery against state governors, their deputies, and other electoral offences that occurred during the 2023 general elections.
The ruling came on July 18, 2024, from Hon. Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu after SERAP filed a mandamus lawsuit.
In the letter dated 28 September 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “It is unacceptable for INEC to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride.”
SERAP said, “The recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy. The latest allegations of electoral offences in Edo state show that INEC has learnt little or nothing from the well-documented problems during the 2023 general elections.”
Part of the letter further read “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider pursuing contempt proceedings against you and INEC for your continuing failure to obey the court judgment.
“SERAP is concerned that the continuing failure by INEC to obey the court judgment is contributing to electoral offences in several states, as illustrated by the recently held governorship election in Edo state and impunity for electoral offences in Nigeria.
“Obeying the court judgment would go a long way in protecting the integrity of our electoral and legal systems.
Justice Egwuatu ordered INEC to seek the appointment of independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences including bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections.
The court also ordered INEC to promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate reports of electoral violence and other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections, identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure their effective prosecution.
The court further ordered INEC to swiftly prosecute all arrested electoral offenders in the 2023 general election in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and other law enforcement agencies.