By The New Diplomat Political Desk
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to enforce a court judgment ordering the electoral body to prosecute cases of bribery involving state governors, their deputies, and other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections.
This is as the organisation threatened to drag the INEC boss to court over alleged contempt should he fail to obey the court judgment after the ultimatum expires.
This was contained in a statement released by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare.
The statement reads in part: “The recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy.
“The latest allegations of electoral offences in Edo State show that INEC has learned little or nothing from the well-documented problems during the 2023 general elections.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider pursuing contempt proceedings against you and INEC for your continued failure to obey the court judgment.”
SERAP expressed concern that INEC’s alleged ongoing failure to obey the court judgment is contributing to electoral offences in several states, as evidenced by the recently held governorship election in Edo State and the alleged impunity for electoral offences in Nigeria.
The statement also noted that it is unacceptable for INEC to disregard the courts, which are the guardians of justice in the country. SERAP pointed out that obeying the court judgment would go a long way towards protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral and legal systems.
The statement added: “Justice Egwuatu ordered INEC to seek the appointment of an independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences, including bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections.”
The New Diplomat reports that a federal high court in Abuja had ordered the INEC to investigate cases of electoral violence, bribery, vote-buying, and conspiracy during the 2023 general election.
The judgment was delivered with respect to suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023 filed the by SERAP.
