INEC Clears Chairman Yakubu of Contempt Allegations by SERAP Regarding Electoral Offender Prosecution

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims made by the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, violated a court order related to the prosecution of electoral offenders.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, addressed recent media reports citing SERAP’s accusations about the Commission’s alleged inaction against electoral violators from the 2023 General Elections.

SERAP specifically alleged that INEC had failed to employ independent lawyers to pursue cases against unnamed Governors and Deputy Governors for various electoral law breaches. Additionally, SERAP claimed that the Commission neglected to engage private legal counsel to tackle other electoral offenses, including vote buying during the elections. INEC countered these claims, emphasizing that Governor and Deputy Governor constitutional immunity from prosecution should not be overlooked by SERAP.

Moreover, INEC asserted that it had not been informed of any arrests or investigations involving these officials that would warrant prosecution. The Commission highlighted that it received 215 case files from the Nigeria Police concerning alleged electoral law violators after the elections—comprising 52 files with 238 suspects from the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and 163 files involving 536 suspects from the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

INEC reiterated its commitment to prosecuting electoral offenders, stressing that its efforts extend beyond individuals outside the Commission, including high-ranking officials, with at least one Resident Electoral Commissioner currently facing prosecution in a Yola High Court.