Identify, arrest sponsors of electoral offences in Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo – SERAP tells INEC

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to initiate a comprehensive investigation into allegations of electoral bribery and violence during the off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states.

In a letter dated 11 Nov., signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged Yakubu to take decisive actions, including identifying, arresting, naming, and shaming suspected perpetrators and their sponsors.

SERAP emphasized the importance of ensuring effective prosecution, regardless of political status or affiliations.

The organization also requested INEC to disclose spending details on the governorship elections in the mentioned states, specifically the amount allocated for voter and civic education, and activities conducted in those regions.

“If INEC is to live up to its constitutional and statutory responsibilities, it must take bold and effective measures to combat the culture of impunity for electoral bribery and violence in the country,” SERAP stated in the letter.

Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the organization asserted, “The recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy.”