Femi Falana Commends INEC and NBA’s Effort To Prosecute Over A Thousand Election Offenders

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In a statement provided to Vanguard on Thursday, Falana commended both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Bar Association for their joint effort in planning the prosecution of individuals accused of electoral misconduct in the recent general elections…CONTINUE READING

Falana emphasized that such prosecution would act as a deterrent to impunity and uphold electoral integrity in Nigeria.

He pointed out that INEC, empowered by section 145 of the Electoral Act 2022, has the authority to try electoral crime suspects in a Magistrate Court or a High Court of a State where the offense occurred, or in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

However, due to INEC’s limitations and preoccupations, the prosecution of electoral offenders has faced challenges.

Falana praised the collaboration between INEC and the NBA, highlighting the significance of prosecuting the 1,076 individuals implicated in electoral malpractice during the last general election.

He urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to expedite the investigation of suspected electoral offenders from the recent gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo States.

While acknowledging the ad hoc nature of the arrangement, Falana urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act 2022, empowering the Federal Government to establish an Electoral Offences Commission.

This commission would be tasked with the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of all electoral offenders, aligning with the recommendation of the Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Panel.