Victor Ezeja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has begun review of the 2023 general elections.
The electoral body revealed that it has received 215 case files from the Nigerian Police in respect of electoral infractions during the polls.
The INEC national chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja, admitted that there were challenges in the election.
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According to him, “we must acknowledge that there were also some challenges, which were structural, infrastructural and human in nature. Indeed, it is in furtherance of our determination to address the challenges as we prepare for future elections that the Commission is commencing its post-election review engagements today.”
The according to the INEC boss, was to reflect on the conduct of the 2023 general elections and draw lessons for future electoral activities.
Yakubu said the electoral body has received police report on the conduct of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa State, Yunusa Ari, promising that appropriate action will be taken on the matter in a matter of days and members of the public would be duly informed.
He also said that the Commission is working with the Nigerian Bar Association NBA to prosecute electoral offenders, adding that the NBA has provided 427 lawyers to help prosecute the cases free of charge.
“I can confirm that we have received 215 case files from the Nigeria Police following their arrest and the conclusion of an investigation into electoral offences arising from the 2023 General Election.
“We are working with the Nigerian Bar Association NBA to prosecute the alleged offenders. Already, the NBA has submitted a list of 427 lawyers across the country who have volunteered to render pro bono services to the Commission. They are not charging legal fees but by mutual agreement, the Commission will provide a token amount to cover filing fees/expenses. We are most grateful to NBA and its President, Yakubu Maikyau SAN, for this historic collaboration. Similarly, we are working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission ICPC on the prosecution of cases relating to vote buying and associated violations,” he stated.
The INEC chairman further stated that the Commission had received reports from 54 accredited national and international observers on the elections and would take time to review them.
He further said the electoral body, in line with its mandate, would never join issues with observer groups or political parties regarding the conduct of any election.
He said that as the post-election review commences, the RECs should lead discussions on issues about the election, ranging from preparations, conduct and aftermath.
