INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu announced the prosecution of 774 electoral offenders from the 2023 elections. While some convictions have been secured, delays in the judicial process hinder timely justice. Yakubu called for the creation of an Electoral Offences Tribunal to enhance efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun prosecuting 774 individuals accused of electoral offenses during the 2023 general elections. INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made this known during a media briefing in Abuja, stressing the commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability in the electoral process.
Yakubu stated that some offenders have already been convicted, with successful prosecutions recorded in Kebbi and Kogi States. Additionally, INEC’s collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has led to convictions for vote-buying in Lagos, Kwara, and Gombe. However, he acknowledged that many cases remain unresolved due to delays in the judicial process.
A key challenge, according to Yakubu, is the absence of a dedicated tribunal for electoral offenses. Unlike post-election disputes, which have legal deadlines, electoral crime cases often drag on for years. He cited an example of a case from the 2019 elections that took nearly six years to conclude. This delay, he argued, undermines efforts to deter electoral malpractice.
To improve efficiency, Yakubu called for the establishment of an Electoral Offenses Tribunal that would focus solely on election-related crimes, ensuring faster trials and appropriate penalties. He urged the media and stakeholders to support reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.
Despite these challenges, he reassured Nigerians that INEC remains committed to enhancing election credibility, improving logistics, and ensuring that those who undermine the democratic process face justice.
