Court Orders INEC to Hold State Governors Accountable for 2023 Election Violence

The Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold state governors, their deputies, and other officials accountable for electoral violence, bribery, vote-buying, and conspiracy during the 2023 general elections.

In a statement released by Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), the court has instructed INEC to appoint independent counsel to investigate these offences. The court also demanded that INEC thoroughly investigate and prosecute those involved in electoral malpractices.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu last Thursday in response to SERAP’s mandamus lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023), requires INEC to expedite investigations and prosecutions related to electoral crimes. Justice Egwuatu emphasized the need for independent and thorough investigation and expressed support for SERAP’s stance on the issue.

Justice Egwuatu’s judgment, dated July 18, 2024, underscored SERAP’s significant role in advocating for electoral integrity and noted the persistent challenge of electoral violence in Nigeria. The court also highlighted that electoral offences should be prosecuted under the law and that INEC has a public duty to ensure compliance with these regulations.

SERAP’s Deputy Director hailed the judgment as a major step toward ensuring fair elections and combating impunity for electoral crimes. SERAP has urged INEC to comply with the court’s orders, including seeking authorization for independent counsel and working with law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders.

The enforcement of this judgment is seen as crucial for restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and ensuring adherence to constitutional and international standards for free and fair elections.