The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has received 215 case files from the Nigerian Police, relating to various electoral infractions that occurred during the 2023 general elections.
This announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting held on Tuesday with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the different states to review the overall conduct of the elections.
In addressing the electoral offenses, Professor Yakubu revealed that INEC is collaborating with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to ensure the prosecution of the individuals involved. He further stated that the NBA has generously provided a team of 427 lawyers who are willing to handle these cases for free.
Acknowledging the challenges faced during the elections, Professor Yakubu emphasized the need to evaluate the records of those who committed electoral infractions. He highlighted that the 215 case files received from the police would serve as crucial evidence in pursuing justice.
“We must acknowledge that there were some challenges — some, infrastructural; others, human. We are looking at the records of those who committed infractions,” Yakubu said.
“[There are] 215 case files from the police on electoral offense, we are working with the NBA to prosecute offenders. Already, the NBA has submitted a list of 427 lawyers who are ready to prosecute those cases free of charge.”
In his analysis of the polls, the INEC Chairman commended the level of preparedness exhibited for the 2023 general elections, asserting that it surpassed previous elections. He specifically noted that the Presidential and National Assembly elections, held on February 25, were conducted as scheduled.
To ensure a smooth accreditation process, Professor Yakubu highlighted the effective deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines. These machines, designed to authenticate voters, performed optimally and contributed to the overall efficiency of the electoral process.
The INEC boss described the 2023 general elections as one that “produced the most diverse National Assembly ever.”
Yakubu added, “The time has come for retrospect to the conduct of the general elections. Since the conclusion of the elections, diverse opinions have been expressed. This is expected especially as it tends to improve future elections.
“The Commission has refrained from commenting on those opinions for several reasons including the fact that most of the issues are still in court.
“However, it is important that as a Commission, we take a broad overview of the Elections beginning with preparations.”
As INEC continues to collaborate with the Nigerian Bar Association and diligently evaluate the case files received from the Nigerian Police, the nation awaits the outcome of the prosecutions, with the hope that justice will be served and electoral offenders will be held accountable for their actions. 2023 Polls: INEC To Prosecute Electoral Offenders, 215 Case Files Received
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