The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to comply with a court ruling concerning electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections.<\/p>\n
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In a statement released on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, it was highlighted that Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the judgment on July 18, following a mandamus lawsuit brought by SERAP.<\/p>\n
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SERAP called on Prof. Yakubu to enforce the court’s order, which directs INEC to pursue cases of bribery involving state governors, their deputies, and other electoral offences from the 2023 elections.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Oluwadare emphasized that “it is unacceptable for INEC to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in the country, for a ride.” He further stressed that the repeated incidents of electoral bribery and violence undermine Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He noted that the recent allegations of electoral offences in Edo State indicate that INEC has learned little from the issues documented during the 2023 general elections.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 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 continuing failure to obey the court judgment,\u201d Oluwadare stated.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
SERAP expressed concern over INEC’s continued failure to comply with the court’s judgment, highlighting that such negligence contributes to recurring electoral offences, as witnessed in the Edo State election. According to the group, obeying the court’s ruling is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of both the electoral and legal systems.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Justice Egwuatu had previously ordered INEC to seek the appointment of an independent counsel to investigate allegations of bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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