In a recent communication to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly advocated the swift initiation of a joint, credible, transparent, effective, and broad-based investigation into allegations of electoral bribery and violence during the off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states.
SERAP has specifically urged INEC to take decisive action in identifying, arresting, naming, and publicly shaming suspected perpetrators and sponsors of these severe human rights crimes.
The organization emphasizes the need for their effective prosecution, emphasizing that political status or affiliations should not shield them from accountability.
Furthermore, SERAP has pressed for full disclosure of spending details related to the governorship elections in the mentioned states, including the specific amounts allocated for voter and civic education.
The organization believes that transparency in spending is vital for upholding INEC’s constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
In a letter dated 11 November 2023, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization underlines the urgency of these actions, stating that bold and effective measures are required to combat the prevailing culture of impunity for electoral bribery and violence in Nigeria.
SERAP contends that recurring instances of electoral malpractices undermine the credibility of the electoral process and participatory democracy.
The letter asserts, “INEC must acknowledge its own limitations and now embrace a transparent, credible, inclusive and broad-based investigation into the allegations of grave electoral offenses in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states.”
Highlighting the centrality of electoral integrity to a legitimate democracy, SERAP emphasizes the detrimental impact compromised integrity has on public confidence in government institutions.
The organization stresses that the reported electoral offenses in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo reveal a lack of progress or learning from the documented problems during the 2023 general elections.
Expressing concern over the recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence, SERAP insists on the need for a transparent, effective, credible, inclusive, and broad-based investigation into the allegations.
The organization urges the involvement of relevant stakeholders, including anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and independent leaders and citizens’ groups from the affected states.
SERAP argues that electoral bribery, violence, and other offenses undermine INEC’s ability to fulfill its constitutional and statutory responsibilities and violate the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and international standards.
The organization underscores the importance of combating impunity for these crimes through transparent investigations and prosecutions of suspected perpetrators.
The letter also reports specific incidents, including pre-completed result sheets in Kogi, harassment of journalists in Imo, and instances of electoral violence and vote-buying across all three states.
It concludes with a seven-day ultimatum for INEC to respond and comply with SERAP’s requests in the public interest, emphasizing the fundamental right of Nigerians to know how public funds are spent in the electoral process.
