SAN FRANCISCO, July,19, (THEWILL) – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute those behind alleged vote-buying in the just concluded elections in Ekiti State.
The group made the call in an open letter to the Chairman of the electoral body, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, saying the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be involved in the investigation into allegations of vote buying by both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) at the election.
Signed by the Director of SERAP, Adetokunbo Mumuni, it said INEC should take steps within 14 days of publication of the letter or face legal action.
The organisation requested Professor Yakubu to “take steps within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of the open letter which SERAP will institute legal proceedings to compel you and the INEC to discharge your constitutional and statutory responsibilities in the public interest.
“Vote buying amounts to undue influence and improper electoral influence. Investigating the allegations and prosecuting all those suspected to be involved would indicate your agencies’ willingness to exert your authorities and act as a deterrent against breaches of the electoral process, Nigeria’s anti-corruption legislation and international standards,” the statement read in part.
SERAP added that it is the responsibility of INEC as an independent body to take steps and action to minimise electoral bribery and ensure political equality to prevent unfair electoral competition.
SERAP also called for investigation and prosecution of alleged vote-buying in the elections in Anambra State, Edo State and Ondo State, in collaboration with the ICPC and EFCC.
