Nigerian Election Watchdog Group Demands INEC Chief Enforce Court Order on Electoral Offences

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern warning to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to immediately comply with a court judgment related to electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections.

According to SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization made the call in a statement released on Sunday. The group is worried about the continuing failure by INEC to obey the court judgment, which they believe is contributing to electoral violence and impunity in Nigeria.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court Abuja on July 18, ordered INEC to investigate allegations of bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections. The court also directed INEC to promptly investigate reports of electoral violence and other electoral offences committed during the polls.

In a statement, SERAP condemned INEC’s failure to take the court’s orders seriously, stating that “it is unacceptable for INEC to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride.” The group expressed concern that INEC’s inaction is allowing electoral bribery and violence to go unpunished, making a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy.

SERAP has given INEC a seven-day ultimatum to comply with the court judgment. If INEC fails to take action within the given timeframe, the organization will consider pursuing contempt proceedings against the electoral commission and its chairman.

The group believes that obeying the court judgment is crucial for protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral and legal systems. By ignoring the court’s orders, INEC is undermining public trust in the electoral process and perpetuating a culture of impunity in the country.

The case highlights the importance of effective electoral reform and the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process. As the country prepares for future elections, it is essential that the electoral commission takes decisive action to prevent electoral malpractices and ensure a fair and credible electoral process.