Afimag.com –
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate allegations of violence and bribery brought against some state governors and politicians during the general elections.
SERAP made the remark in a letter dated March 25, 2023 and signed by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare.
The body had charged the electoral body to have an independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral violence and other electoral offences brought against politicians concerning the election.
According to SERAP, section 52 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act authorizes INEC to seek an independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral violence and other electoral offences such as bribery that any state governors and their deputies may have committed.
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The group suggested that INEC should work with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other law enforcement agencies to fish out politicians that are responsible for electoral violence and other electoral offences during the elections.
According to the body, “When politicians and their sponsors decide to engage in electoral violence and other electoral offences rather than contest fairly for people’s votes, there are possibilities that such politicians will show a disregard for democratic rules and a disposition to adopt illegal means becomes inevitable.
“If voting is as important as INEC always claims it is, now is the time to take meaningful steps and action to end impunity for electoral violence and other electoral offences during elections.
“Ending impunity for electoral violence and other electoral offences promotes accountability of suspected perpetrators, and their sponsors ensure justice for victims, and ultimately advances the people’s right to vote and to participate in their government, as well as bolsters voter confidence in the electoral process.
“Identifying, investigating, naming and shaming those suspected to be involved in electoral violence and other electoral offences during the 2023 general elections will also send a powerful message to politicians and their sponsors that they will not get away with their crime against the Nigerian people.
“Electoral violence and other electoral offences reportedly committed during the 2023 general elections are contrary to the express provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international standards.
“Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act prohibit electoral bribery and undue influence before, during and after any election. Section 145(2) provides that a prosecution under this Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it.’ Under section 2(b), the commission shall have the power to promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes,” it said.
