As the Edo State Governorship Election approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified electoral offences as a significant threat to free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria. According to INEC, these offences not only undermine the electoral process but also exacerbate political tension and trigger violence.
Mrs. Rita Amadi, Head of Legal Department, INEC Edo State, emphasized the need for awareness about electoral laws and penalties during a engagement with youth groups. She noted that prosecuting electoral offences in Nigeria is a daunting task, hindered by ineffective criminal investigations.
Amadi stressed that holding offenders accountable is crucial to mitigating electoral offences and ending impunity. "Electoral offences can be committed by individuals or groups, and those found liable will face punishment under existing laws," she said.
The INEC legal officer highlighted the importance of educating youths, who make up a significant portion of the population and participants in the electoral process, about electoral offences. She quoted INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who acknowledged the commission's limitations in investigating and prosecuting electoral offences.
Amadi urged political stakeholders to support INEC by promoting a peaceful electioneering process and discouraging the "do or die" mentality.