THE Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a contempt lawsuit against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, for failing to investigate alleged electoral offences in the 2023 general elections. The organisation stated that, despite a court order by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on 18 July 2024, INEC has “failed and/or refused to implement the judgement.”
This was disclosed in a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and made available to newsmen, yesterday. However, no date has been set for the hearing of the contempt suit.
According to SERAP, the judge directed the nation’s electoral commission “to pursue cases of bribery against state governors and their deputies, as well as other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections,” and “to seek the appointment of independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences, including bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections,” among others.
SERAP stated that, regarding the notice of consequences of disobedience to the court order, the INEC chairman was informed: “Take notice that unless you obey the orders contained in the judgement of 18 July 2024, made by Justice Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023, a copy of which is hereto attached, you will be guilty of contempt of court and liable to be committed to prison.”
