INEC set to initiate legal action against 1,076 eople accused of electoral offenses in 2023 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formulated a comprehensive strategy to pursue legal actions against a total of 1,076 people who stand accused of committing electoral offenses in the aftermath of the 2023 general election. 

This legal initiative spans across all 35 states, reflecting the commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring accountability for any alleged misconduct.

INEC’s proactive stance in prosecuting these individuals underscores its dedication to fostering a fair and transparent democratic environment in Nigeria.

A reliable source at the commission revealed that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigeria Police will collaborate in this legal action.

NBA Chairman Yakubu Maikyau, fulfilling a pledge, submitted a letter listing 191 lawyers, including 16 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), who volunteered to handle cases free of charge.

The NBA, led by its president during a recent visit to INEC, promised to provide pro-bono legal services to support the commission in prosecuting electoral offenders.

The NBA’s commitment involves working closely with the police and INEC to ensure thorough prosecution. A total of 191 case files have been prepared for legal proceedings, with Ebonyi having the highest number of 64 cases involving 216 suspects.

Edo follows with 22 cases and 80 suspects, and Anambra is third with 12 cases involving 66 suspects.

Kaduna, Adamawa, Kano, Rivers, and Osun states share the fourth position with varying numbers of cases. Yobe has the least, with just one case file implicating two suspects.

Offenses range from culpable homicide and unlawful possession of firearms to snatching and destroying INEC items, possession of offensive weapons, misconduct at polling units, and stealing election results.

INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed that letters of authority are prepared for the NBA team, and proceedings will commence soon.

However, the NBA returned 26 case files to INEC, deeming the offenses outside the scope of electoral offenses defined by the Electoral Act 2022.

Additionally, suspects related to 22 cases are either at large or were never apprehended.