The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a contempt lawsuit against Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), due to his alleged failure to investigate and prosecute electoral offences from the 2023 general elections.
SERAP claims that Prof. Yakubu has not followed through on a court order requiring him to identify and prosecute suspected perpetrators and their sponsors.
On July 18, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that INEC must address bribery cases and other electoral offences linked to state governors, deputies, and other officials during the 2023 elections.
Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu ordered INEC to take action by appointing independent counsel to investigate allegations of vote-buying, bribery, conspiracy, and undue influence.
According to SERAP, despite being served a certified copy of the judgment, Prof. Yakubu and INEC have not complied.
The organization expressed its frustration in a statement signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, describing INEC’s disregard for the court order as unacceptable in a democratic state governed by rule of law.
The Federal High Court issued a warning to Prof. Yakubu in a “Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Order of Court,” cautioning that if he does not comply with the court order, he could be found in contempt and face imprisonment.
SERAP has highlighted that ignoring these allegations of electoral bribery and violence undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.
The organization stressed the importance of INEC addressing these issues, especially with the upcoming governorship election in Ondo state, and called on INEC to uphold citizens’ rights to a fair electoral process.
SERAP initially requested in July 2024 that Prof. Yakubu enforce this court order to investigate bribery and other electoral offences.
The organization filed the contempt lawsuit under Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act and Order IX, Rule 13 of the Judgment (Enforcement) Rules of Court.
A hearing date for the contempt suit has not yet been set.
