2023 Polls: 774 Electoral Offenders Undergoing Prosecution — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 774 electoral offenders from the 2023 general elections are currently facing prosecution through its collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

At a regular consultative meeting with media organizations in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, revealed that successful prosecutions have already been achieved in Kebbi and Kogi States, while partnerships with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on vote-buying have resulted in positive outcomes in Lagos, Kwara, and Gombe States. However, many cases are still pending.

Yakubu emphasized that the commission’s recent success in prosecuting a Returning Officer in Akwa Ibom State highlights its dedication to improving the electoral process, especially in dealing with electoral offenders. However, he noted that the lack of time-bound constraints for electoral offences, unlike post-election tribunal cases, hinders the quick dispensation of justice.

He also underscored the importance of establishing an Electoral Offences Tribunal, which would provide a specific jurisdiction and timeline to speed up the legal proceedings. Yakubu called on the media to join in advocating for such reforms to help strengthen Nigeria’s electoral democracy.

“The Commission will continue to improve the electoral process, learning from every election and electoral activity. However, we need continued support from all stakeholders, especially in areas requiring reform,” Yakubu said.

Yakubu pointed out the challenges the commission faces in prosecuting electoral offences, as these cases are handled by Magistrates and State High Courts, with little priority given to them due to the variety of other cases the courts handle. He highlighted the example of the six-year-long prosecution of a Returning Officer from the 2019 elections as a testament to the slow pace of justice.

The INEC chairman also informed the media about the upcoming elections, including the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, and the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) set for February 21, 2026.

Regarding by-elections, Yakubu noted that recent vacancies had occurred in one Federal Constituency and two State Constituencies due to the deaths of serving members. He also mentioned that a state constituency seat in Zamfara had been declared vacant due to the prolonged absence of the member from the House.

In response, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) President, Hassan Yahaya, emphasized the union’s commitment to working with INEC to ensure the success of the electoral process, as it is in the best interest of the country. He also called on the National Assembly to provide legislative interventions to further improve the electoral system, particularly in prosecuting electoral offenders.