As Some Nigerians Call For Sack Of INEC Boss Over 2023 Presidential Election, Yakubu Speaks On The Election Riggers

As Some Nigerians Call For Sack Of INEC Boss Over 2023 Presidential Election, Yakubu Speaks On The Election Riggers

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has provided an explanation for why electoral offenders, including ballot riggers, often escape punishment.

He attributed this to the absence of an electoral offences commission and tribunal, which would be responsible for prosecuting such offenders separately from the electoral body.

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Speaking at a post-election review meeting with media executives in Abuja, Yakubu emphasized the need for a proper agency to handle electoral offenders, stating that the country’s electoral process would remain ineffective without it. He called for a reconsideration of the recommendations made by electoral reforms panels led by Justice Mohammed Uwais, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, and Dr. Ken Nnamani, during the administrations of Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, respectively.

Yakubu also expressed concerns about the practicality of INEC prosecuting electoral offenders when some of them may be INEC officials. He highlighted the consistent calls for the establishment of an electoral offences commission to handle violators of electoral laws, regardless of their position, whether voters, INEC officials, or ad hoc staff.

Regarding upcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo slated for November 11, Yakubu assured Nigerians that the commission would build on the successes achieved during the last general elections.

The President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, stressed the importance of addressing hate speech and misinformation while safeguarding the principles of free speech. He also emphasized the need for equitable access to media platforms for all political actors to promote inclusivity and fair representation.