The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed its plans to initiate the prosecution of 1,076 electoral offenders who were apprehended across 35 states during the 2023 general election. This decision, according to a credible source within the commission, is a critical step towards upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
In an exclusive report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, the commission disclosed that the forthcoming prosecution is a collaborative effort involving the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigeria Police. The NBA Chairman, Yakubu Maikyau, has further reinforced this commitment through a recent correspondence with INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, detailing the enlistment of 191 lawyers, including 16 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, who have volunteered to handle cases pro bono across various states.
During a recent visit to INEC, the NBA, led by its president, pledged to provide pro-bono legal services for the prosecution of electoral offenders as part of its contribution to the nation. This initiative, in conjunction with the police and INEC, aims to ensure a thorough and diligent prosecution process.
The source within the commission revealed that 191 case files have been meticulously prepared in readiness for the impending legal proceedings. A breakdown of the cases by state indicates that Ebonyi has the highest number of cases, totaling 64 and involving 216 suspects. Edo follows closely with 22 cases and 80 suspects, while Anambra ranks third with 12 cases comprising 66 suspects.
Kaduna State occupies the fourth position with 11 cases and 36 suspects, with Adamawa coming in fifth with 10 cases involving 17 suspects. Additionally, Kano, Rivers, and Osun states share the fifth position, each with nine cases, encompassing 74, 68, and 47 suspects, respectively. On the other hand, Yobe has the least number of cases, with just one case file implicating two suspects.
The reported electoral offences span a wide spectrum, including culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, snatching and destroying of INEC items, being in possession of offensive weapons, misconduct at polling units, and stealing of election results. These violations underscore the significance of holding individuals accountable for their actions within the electoral process.
Confirming this development, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated that the necessary letters of authority have been prepared and will be imminently issued to the NBA team to commence proceedings for all the cases. However, Oyekanmi noted that the NBA has returned 26 case files to INEC for onward transmission to the Police, as these cases did not align with the definition of electoral offences as stipulated by the Electoral Act 2022.
Furthermore, INEC is cognizant of the fact that suspects implicated in 22 of the cases are either at large or were never apprehended. Nonetheless, the commission has affirmed that the detained suspects have undergone thorough investigation, with compelling evidence gathered against them.
As the commission gears up for the prosecution phase, this recent development underscores INEC’s unwavering commitment to upholding the sanctity of the electoral process and ensuring that justice prevails. Navigating the legal intricacies and addressing electoral malpractices serve as pivotal steps towards fostering a transparent and accountable democratic system.
All in all, this concerted effort towards prosecuting electoral offenders has significant implications for the preservation of the nation’s democratic values, reinforcing the principle that every action within the electoral sphere carries tangible consequences.
