SERAP Urges INEC Chairman to Comply with Court Ruling on 2023 Electoral Offences

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to comply with a court ruling regarding electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections. The appeal was made in a statement released on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

Oluwadare referred to the judgment delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 18. The ruling followed a mandamus lawsuit filed by SERAP, which sought to compel INEC to investigate and prosecute those responsible for electoral misconduct during the polls.

In the statement, SERAP emphasized the importance of the rule of law and accountability, urging INEC to promptly implement the court’s decision. The organization noted that addressing electoral offences is crucial for ensuring public trust in the electoral process and safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

“Prof. Mahmood Yakubu must respect the judgment of the court and take immediate steps to investigate and prosecute electoral offenders from the 2023 general elections. This will send a clear message that electoral violence, vote-buying, and other misconducts will not be tolerated,” Oluwadare said.

The Federal High Court’s ruling on the mandamus lawsuit obligates INEC to act on reports of electoral offences, which include instances of violence, vote manipulation, and other forms of malpractice that occurred during the election period. SERAP has consistently called for greater accountability in Nigeria’s elections, stressing that failure to address electoral crimes weakens the democratic process and encourages impunity.

Oluwadare added that the enforcement of the court’s decision would also reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, while ensuring that electoral offenders are held accountable for their actions.

The 2023 general elections were marked by widespread reports of irregularities, violence, and allegations of vote-buying. Civil society organizations, including SERAP, have been vocal in demanding justice for these offences, pushing INEC and other relevant authorities to take action.

SERAP’s continued advocacy for electoral accountability reflects its broader mission to promote transparency and good governance in Nigeria. As public pressure mounts, the organization has urged INEC to fulfill its responsibility to the electorate by acting in accordance with the court ruling and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.