INEC Prosecuting 774 Electoral Offenders From The 2023 Elections – Chairman Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is currently prosecuting 774 individuals accused of electoral offences during the 2023 general elections, Chairman Mahmood Yakubu disclosed today.

Yakubu made the revelation during INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with the media in Abuja, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to improving electoral integrity.

Yakubu highlighted the recent Ondo governorship election as a notable improvement, particularly in logistics and election technology.
He emphasized INEC’s commitment to tackling electoral offences, especially those involving its officials.
A key case cited was the successful prosecution of a Returning Officer in Akwa Ibom State—a case from the 2019 elections that took nearly six years to reach a conviction.

INEC’s collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has facilitated the prosecution of 774 alleged offenders.
Successful convictions have been recorded in Kebbi and Kogi States.
INEC’s partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has led to vote-buying convictions in Lagos, Kwara, and Gombe States.
However, many cases remain pending due to legal delays.

Yakubu highlighted the absence of a time-bound legal framework for prosecuting electoral offences, unlike post-election tribunals.
He pointed out that these cases are handled by Magistrate and State High Courts, which often prioritize other cases over electoral offences.
He stressed the need for an Electoral Offences Tribunal to expedite prosecutions and prevent cases from overlapping into future elections.

Yakubu urged the media to support the push for an Electoral Offences Tribunal, describing it as a patriotic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s electoral democracy.