Comply With Court Ruling On Nigerian Governors, Deputy Govs’ Alleged Bribery, Vote-Buying Or Face Contempt Charges, SERAP Tells INEC Chair
The judgment was delivered on July 18, 2024 by Hon. Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu following a mandamus lawsuit brought by SERAP.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “to immediately and effectively enforce the judgment ordering INEC to pursue cases of bribery against state governors and their deputies, and other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections.”
The judgment was delivered on July 18, 2024 by Hon. Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu following a mandamus lawsuit brought by SERAP.
In the letter dated September 28, 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “It is unacceptable for INEC to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride.
“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 learnt little or nothing from the well-documented problems during the 2023 general elections.”
SERAP said it “would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter”.
It, however, warned that if “we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider pursuing contempt proceedings against you and INEC for your continuing failure to obey the court judgment”.
It said, “SERAP is concerned that the continuing failure by INEC to obey the court judgment is contributing to electoral offences in several states, as illustrated by the recently held governorship election in Edo state and impunity for electoral offences in Nigeria.
“Obeying the court judgment would go a long way in protecting the integrity of our electoral and legal systems.
“Justice Egwuatu ordered INEC to seek the appointment of 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 court also ordered INEC to promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate reports of electoral violence and other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections, identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure their effective prosecution.
“The court further ordered INEC to swiftly prosecute all arrested electoral offenders in the 2023 general election in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and other law enforcement agencies.”
SERAP said it is concerned that “suspected perpetrators of grave electoral offences including in the off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states continue to enjoy impunity”.
