x

SERAP Sues INEC For Allegedly Failing To Prosecute Vote-Buyers

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “failing to prosecute those suspected of vote-buying and electoral bribery” in the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State.

In a statement on Sunday, SERAP cited reports that suggested there was a brazen pattern of vote-buying and electoral bribery at several polling units in the state, including bargaining prices for votes and payments made in uncompleted buildings.

Filing the suit last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the group is seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to seek and obtain detailed information about reports of vote-buying by the three leading political parties in the 2022 Ekiti State governorship election.”

In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1189/2022, it also seeks “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to promptly and effectively prosecute those arrested, and to bring to justice anyone who sponsored, aided and abetted them.”

“Vote-buying is a threat to fair and representative elections. Vote-buying amounts to undue influence and improper electoral influence,” the statement by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part.

“Wealthy candidates and their sponsors ought not to be allowed to profit from their crimes. Arresting and prosecuting vote-buyers will end widespread impunity for vote buying ahead of the February 2023 general election.”

Arguing that vote buying encourages poor governance and weakens citizens’ capacity to hold their ‘elected officials’ accountable for their actions, SERAP says the act undermines INEC’s ability to discharge its responsibilities under Section 153 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), paragraph 15(a) of the third schedule of the Constitution, and the Electoral Act 2022.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Hot this week

#FreeNnamdiKanu: Protest Traps Abuja Residents, Close Businesses, and Offices

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuAs the # FreeNnamdiKanu protesters tropped...

Southern Ijaw Stakeholders caution Tompolo over Bayelsa visit

By Our CorrespondentA coalition of stakeholders and youth...

Kano PCC Vows Free Justice for All, Extends Services to Remote Communities

By Jabiru HassanThe Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints...

ECOWAS Role in Conflict Management and Resolution of the Malian Crisis

By Abdul Mahmoud YayaleThe protracted crisis in Mali...

INSPIRATION:Building a Reliable Humanity: Where Peace and Growth Reign

With Mary EwaLife will always remain a venture—an unfolding...

MRA announces call for entries for 2026 Goodluck Jonathan FOI Awards

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaMedia Rights Agenda (MRA) Thursday,...

Over 50 terrorists neutralize, 70 wounded in severe battle with troops

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaWith renewed vigour and triumph,...

Consumer Protection Commission charges against food adulteration

By Israel Adamu, JosThe Federal Competition and Consumer...

ECOWAS Role in Conflict Management and Resolution of the Malian Crisis

By Abdul Mahmoud YayaleThe protracted crisis in Mali...

Bingham University, commissions multipurpose laboratory, office complex

By Israel Adamu,JosBingham University, Karu,on Thursday achieved...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img