The Centre for Transparency Advocacy, CTA, has appealed to the National Assembly to work toward passing the Electoral Offences Commission Bill, to ensure prosecution of individuals who engage in electoral offences.
Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director, CTA, said this at the launch of the 2023 report of the general elections, perception study on citizens understanding of the mandate of INEC and compendium on the 2019 general elections and off- season elections from 2019 to 2022 in Abuja.
“We are here to present three different reports as part of our contribution to enriching literature in the Nigerian electoral process as well as a source of institutional memory and history for generations to come.
“The reports are concise and give insights to the issues and frequently asked questions by citizens and stakeholders.
“We sent a memo to the 9th Assembly to quickly set up the electoral offences commission.
“We cannot continue the way we are going. People are committing crimes and you are saying it must be the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that must prosecute,” she said.
Nwadishi added:“Does INEC has the power to prosecute, to do that even when the have those synergies with agencies like EFCC and ICPC. How effective has that been even though they are also members.”
She said that the electoral offences commission would help go a long way in reforming Nigeria’s electoral process.
“If you now have a dedicated commission that is saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting political offenders, set example with high profile cases, it will help go a long way in reforming our electoral process,” she said.
Nwadishi also called for the review of the Electoral Act with regards to the appointment of electoral officers.
“The way electoral officers are appointed, the Constitution has already listed that one out.
“The Act should strengthen that because prior to 2023 general elections, we were shouting about some of the resident electoral commissioners and how they were appointed; we saw how that played out in the election; some of them (RECs) were purely partisan,” she said.
Mr Nwadishi called on government to empower the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for improved voter education.
“The electoral act speaks of voter and civic education responsibility which is given to INEC. We also know there is a National Orientation Agency that should be saddled with civic education,” she said.
Also speaking, Prof. Kola Olusanya of the Osun State University said that even though there were worries about electoral fraud, voter suppression throughout the campaigns and the 2023 polls, the elections were guided by rule and law.
“It is significant to know that Nigerian elections have changed full time, as attempt has been to increase openness, credibility and inclusivity.
“We have seen a very advanced shift from 1999 up to this year. It’s like in every election we usher in better prospects,” Mr Olusanya said.
NAN
