The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to comply with a court ruling regarding electoral offences from the 2023 general elections. This appeal was made in a statement by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
The request stems from a judgment delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 18, following a mandamus lawsuit filed by SERAP. The court ordered INEC to pursue cases of bribery against state governors, their deputies, and other electoral offences related to the 2023 elections.
SERAP expressed concerns over INEC’s apparent disregard for the court’s authority, stating, “It is unacceptable for INEC to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride.” They highlighted the ongoing issues of electoral bribery and violence, particularly citing recent allegations in Edo State, which they argue demonstrate a lack of progress in addressing these serious electoral challenges.
The organization has given INEC a seven-day deadline to act on the court’s ruling, warning that failure to do so may result in contempt proceedings against the commission and its chair. SERAP pointed out that INEC’s ongoing non-compliance with the court order is exacerbating electoral offences across various states.
The court’s judgment mandated INEC to appoint independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences such as bribery, vote-buying, and undue influence during the 2023 elections. Additionally, it instructed INEC to conduct thorough investigations into reports of electoral violence, identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure their prosecution.
SERAP believes that adherence to the court’s ruling is vital for safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral and legal systems.
