The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for disregarding a court judgment delivered on July 18, 2024, by Hon. Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu.
In a letter dated September 28, 2024, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP expressed concern over INEC's failure to comply with the ruling, emphasizing that recurring incidents of electoral bribery and violence undermine Nigeria’s electoral process.
The organization urged INEC to take immediate steps to uphold the integrity of elections in the country.
It said, “It is unacceptable for INEC to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride.
“The recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy. The latest allegations of electoral offenses in Edo state show that INEC has learned little or nothing from the well-documented problems during the 2023 general elections.
The letter, which read in parts, added: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider pursuing contempt proceedings against you and INEC for your continuing failure to obey the court judgment.