The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the prosecution of 774 alleged electoral offenders from the 2023 general elections, according to its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Speaking at the first quarterly meeting with media executives on Friday, Yakubu revealed that the prosecutions are being carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other relevant agencies.
However, he expressed concern over delays in the process due to the absence of an Electoral Offences Tribunal and the lack of a defined timeframe for handling such cases.
Yakubu pointed out that regular courts, which handle a wide range of cases, often fail to prioritize electoral offenses, leading to delays that sometimes extend from one election cycle to another.
He cited the recent conviction of a Returning Officer in Akwa Ibom State as an example, noting that the case, which stemmed from the 2019 general election, took nearly six years to reach a verdict.
“So far, we have successfully prosecuted cases in Kebbi and Kogi States, while our collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on vote-buying has led to convictions in Lagos, Kwara, and Gombe States. Yet, many cases remain pending”, he said.
Yakubu stressed the need for an Electoral Offences Tribunal, stating that its establishment would streamline prosecution, enforce accountability, and ensure a timely dispensation of justice.
The INEC Chairman assured that the Commission remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process. He urged the media to support the call for an Electoral Offences Tribunal to enhance accountability in elections.
“Our electoral democracy will benefit greatly from this reform, and I encourage the media to advocate for it as a patriotic duty”, Yakubu added.
Yakubu highlighted INEC’s ongoing preparations for upcoming elections, including:
Anambra Governorship Election (November 8, 2025) Party primaries to begin on March 20, 2025, and conclude by April 10, 2025.
FCT Area Council Elections (February 21, 2026) Key activities such as party primaries and candidate nominations scheduled between June 9 and June 30, 2025.
Pending Bye-Elections Recent vacancies in a federal constituency and two state constituencies due to the death of serving members, as well as another vacancy declared over absenteeism in a state assembly.
Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to logistical improvements and technological advancements, citing the Ondo State Governorship Election as an example of recent progress.
Speaking at the event, Mallam Alhassan Yahaya, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), emphasized the need for the National Assembly to establish an Electoral Offences Commission and Tribunal.
Represented by National Secretary Achike Chude, he argued that the responsibility of prosecuting electoral offenders should be removed from INEC, allowing the Commission to focus on its core mandate of conducting free and fair elections.
“There has been continuous pressure on INEC to prosecute offenders, but the truth is that this responsibility should not be theirs. We urge the National Assembly to take the necessary steps to establish the tribunal”, Chude stated.
INEC reiterated its commitment to electoral reforms, calling for the support of all stakeholders to improve Nigeria’s democratic processes.
