INEC counters SERAP’s claims of inaction on electoral offenders

INEC counters SERAP’s claims of inaction on electoral offenders

By JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rejected allegations made by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) regarding its purported failure to investigate and prosecute electoral offenders following the 2023 General Election.

In a recent statement, SERAP accused INEC of neglecting its duty by failing to engage independent counsel to take legal action against governors and deputy governors implicated in various electoral law violations. 

However, in a statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, Wednesday, the Commission quickly refuted these claims.

According to Olumekun; “The Constitution grants governors and deputy governors immunity from prosecution during their tenure. We currently have no records of arrests, investigations, or cases established against these officials.”

INEC emphasized its commitment to upholding electoral integrity and disclosed that it has received a substantial number of case files relating to electoral offenses. He noted that, 215 case files were handed over by the Nigeria Police, comprising 52 files involving 238 alleged offenders linked to the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and 163 files with 536 suspects related to the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

“We are actively engaging with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to aid in the prosecution of these cases,” Olumekun added. “We even held a joint press conference to announce our partnership.”

The commission highlighted successes in its efforts to prosecute electoral offenders, including the successful prosecution of a Resident Electoral Commissioner in Yola. Additionally, INEC has collaborated with anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to tackle corruption in the electoral process.

A joint prosecution team consisting of 18 lawyers has reportedly secured convictions in Lagos, Gombe, and Kwara States for cases of vote buying. 

“Electoral offences are not time-bound, unlike pre-election and post-election cases. Prosecution occurs in the jurisdiction where the offence was committed, and these cases can take several years to resolve,” Olumekun explained.

In response to the ongoing discourse surrounding electoral offenses, INEC is advocating for reforms that would make such offenses time-bound, facilitating a more efficient prosecutorial process. “We want to ensure speedy prosecution to reinforce the integrity of our elections,” Olumekun concluded.

INEC reassured the public of its dedication to fulfilling its responsibilities and stressed the importance of verifying facts before making public accusations, especially concerning the integrity of the commission and the electoral process.