INEC Prosecuting 19 Persons For Electoral Offences

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says it is currently prosecuting Nineteen individuals For various electoral offenses in the 2023 general election.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun stated this in Abuja during a one day Media and Civil Society Organizations roundtable on re-examining the role of critical stakeholders in rebuilding trust in the electoral processes.

Represented by INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Mary Nkem, the National Commissioner said already, three electoral offenders are currently serving jail terms.

Mr Olumekun maintained that the commission was working with security agencies to investigate those caught committing electoral offenses during the last November off cycle Governorship election in Kogi Imo and Bayelsa States for prosecution.

He said the commission would continue to run an open door policy and engage with critical stakeholders regularly to strengthen the nation’s electoral system.

According to him, the commission was working on the recommendations provided by stakeholders and foreign partners after the 2023 election for implementation.

A Development Partner, Mr Jide Ojo stressed the need for regular training for journalists, party agents and other stakeholders on the nation’s electoral laws for proper dissemination of information to the public.

Mr Jide Ojo emphasized the need for media to hold stakeholders accountable and always fact check their reports before publication.

In his welcome remark, the Executive Director, International Press Center, Mr Lanre Arogundade appealed to media Organizations to join hands with stakeholders to build public trust in the nation’s electoral process.

By Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji