SERAP Calls on INEC to Enforce Court Ruling on 2023 Electoral Offenses

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has challenged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, to follow a court decision on electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections.

SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, issued the call in a statement on Sunday.

He stated that on July 18, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court Abuja delivered a decision in response to SERAP’s mandamus case.

The group wants the INEC boss “to immediately and effectively enforce the judgment ordering INEC to pursue cases of bribery against state governors and their deputies, and other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections.”

“It is unacceptable for INEC to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride,” the statement read

“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.

“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 said it is worried 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.”

It feels that obeying the court’s decision will go a long way toward maintaining the integrity of our electoral and legal processes.

“Justice Egwuatu ordered INEC to seek the appointment of an 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.”