The Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, has dismissed allegations by the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, which accused the Commission of failing to prosecute electoral offenders from the 2023 General Election.
In a response issued by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission described SERAP’s accusations as “untrue” and “a misrepresentation of facts already in the public domain.”
SERAP had alleged that INEC neglected its duty to engage independent counsels to prosecute unnamed Governors and Deputy Governors and did not employ private lawyers to tackle incidents of vote-buying.
In response, INEC clarified that the Nigerian Constitution grants immunity to sitting Governors and Deputy Governors, making them untouchable by law while in office. “SERAP cannot be unaware of this constitutional provision,” INEC stated, adding that “the Commission has no record that any one of them has been arrested, investigated and a prima facie case established to initiate their prosecution.”
To set the record straight, INEC highlighted its partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to bring offenders to justice.
“For the first time in the history of elections in Nigeria, concrete steps were taken between the NBA and the Commission to prosecute electoral offences,” INEC noted, adding that this collaboration has led to convictions in Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Gombe, and Kwara states.
The Commission also explained the challenges of prosecuting electoral offences, describing the process as “very slow” due to the nature of the judiciary.
“Electoral offences are not time-bound, unlike pre-election and post-election cases.Some cases can go on for several years,” INEC stated, reiterating its call for reforms to make electoral offences time-bound.
INEC urged SERAP to fact-check before making claims, maintaining that it remains committed to ensuring electoral integrity. “As an organization that portrays itself as a leader in advocating for justice, SERAP ought to have availed itself of basic facts that are already in the public domain,” the statement concluded.
