The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, for failing to investigate electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections.
A Federal High Court judgment delivered on July 18, 2024, ordered INEC to pursue cases of bribery against state governors and their deputies, as well as other electoral offences. However, SERAP alleges that INEC and Professor Yakubu have refused to implement the judgment.
The court had instructed INEC to appoint an independent counsel to probe allegations of electoral offences, including bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence.
Despite being served with a certified true copy of the judgment, INEC and Professor Yakubu have failed to take action, according to Daily Post.
SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized the importance of holding INEC accountable for its inaction. The organization stresses that the recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence undermine Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy.
The lawsuit seeks to compel INEC to obey the court judgment and investigate the alleged electoral offences. The court has warned Professor Yakubu that failure to comply would constitute contempt of court, punishable by imprisonment.
This development highlights concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and the need for accountability. The outcome of the lawsuit will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for the country’s democratic institutions.
The notice, addressed to Professor Yakubu, read in part: “take notice that unless you obey the Orders contained in the Judgment of the 18th July 2024 made by Justice Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja in Suit Number: FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023, a copy of which is hereto attached, you will be guilty of contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”
The statement, read in part: “Despite the service of the certified true copy of the judgment on INEC and Professor Yakubu, they have failed and/or refused to obey it.”
“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.”
