The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has renewed its call for a dedicated tribunal to handle electoral offences, this is due to a growing backlog of unresolved electoral cases.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu while addressing journalists at the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting in Abuja, emphasized the need for a specialized court especially due to the challenges of prosecuting electoral offenses within Nigeria’s current judicial framework, where such cases often get sidelined.
Why a Tribunal is Necessary
Yakubu pointed out that, unlike post-election petitions handled by tribunals with strict timelines, electoral offences drag on indefinitely. Under the existing system, these cases are prosecuted in Magistrate and State High Courts within the jurisdiction where the offence occurred, leading to significant delays.
“No priority attention is given to such cases as the courts deal with a variety of other matters. Consequently, electoral offences are carried over from one general election to another, sometimes affecting diligent prosecution,” Yakubu stated.
A notable example is the case of a returning officer in Akwa Ibom, who was only convicted nearly six years after committing electoral malpractice during the 2019 elections. This, according to Yakubu, underscores the need for a tribunal with exclusive jurisdiction and a defined timeframe to handle such cases efficiently.
Ongoing Efforts and Challenges
Despite these challenges, INEC has been working with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute electoral offenders. Currently, 774 cases from the 2023 elections are being prosecuted, with convictions already secured in Kebbi and Kogi States. Additionally, EFCC-led prosecutions for vote-buying have resulted in convictions in Lagos, Kwara, and Gombe States.
However, many cases remain unresolved, reinforcing INEC’s argument for a dedicated tribunal to fast-track justice and serve as a deterrent to future electoral malpractice.
Bottom Line
Every delay experienced in the prosecution of electoral offences undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. A specialized tribunal will facilitate the justice process and prevent electoral offenders from getting away with electoral offenses due to slow or non-existent justice system.
Thus, a dedicated Electoral Offences Tribunal would not only ensure swifter convictions but also strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
