INEC Refutes SERAP’s Allegations on Handling Electoral Offenders
Oru Leonard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly refuted recent allegations by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), dismissing claims that it failed to prosecute electoral offenders related to the 2023 General Election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 30th October 2024 and signed by the Hon. National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun mni, the Commission outlined the actions it has taken to address electoral violations and detailed collaborative efforts with partner organizations to ensure justice.
According to Mr. Olumekun, SERAP alleged that the Commission failed to prosecute unnamed Governors and Deputy Governors for election-related violations. He responded by noting that, under the constitution, these officials are protected by immunity which prevents their immediate prosecution. He also clarified that INEC has not received any documentation indicating arrests or investigations involving these officials to substantiate such claims.
Responding to broader allegations, the IVEC Chair highlighted INEC’s proactive approach in prosecuting offenders following the 2023 General Election. He noted that after the election, the Commission received Two Hundred and Fifteen (215) case files from the Nigeria Police—Fifty Two (52) related to the Presidential and National Assembly elections and One Hundred and Sixty Three (163) to the Governorship and State Assembly elections. These cases involve over Seven Hundred (700) alleged offenders.
Mr. Olumekun further emphasized INEC’s collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to expedite the prosecution of these cases. Acknowledging the Commission’s limited legal capacity, he noted that in partnership with the NBA, a joint press conference was held during which prominent lawyers, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria offered pro-bono services to support the prosecution efforts. This collaboration he disclosed has already resulted in successful convictions in Kebbi and Kogi States.
To address vote-buying, Mr. Olumekun mni confirmed INEC’s partnership with anti-graft agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). This collaboration he noted, led to the formation of a joint prosecution team with Eighteen (18) lawyers from both the EFCC and INEC achieving convictions in Lagos, Gombe and Kwara States.
The IVEC Chairman acknowledged the challenges in prosecuting electoral offenses, noting that these cases often extend for years due to the absence of time-bound requirements and the jurisdictional limitations of State judicial processes. In response, he stated that the Commission has been advocating for electoral reforms, including the establishment of an electoral Offenses Tribunal to enable fast offense resolution of such cases.
Mr. Olumekun reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to maintaining electoral integrity and encouraged SERAP to consult public records for verification before making future allegations.
