INEC CHAIRMAN RENEWS CALLS FOR CREATION OF THE ELECTORAL OFFENCES TRIBUNAL, SEEKS MEDIA SUPPORT FOR REFORM ADVOCACY

In a bid to enhance Nigeria’s electoral integrity, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has renewed calls for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal.

 He made this appeal during the first Regular Quarterly Consultative Meeting with the Media in 2025, held at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja on February 7, 2025.

Prof. Yakubu emphasized that while electoral processes have witnessed improvements, the prosecution of electoral offenders remains a critical challenge. “A major obstacle to the speedy dispensation of justice in this regard is that electoral offences are not time-bound as is the case with post-election offences through the tribunals. Furthermore, they are solely prosecuted by the Magistrate and State High Courts in the jurisdiction where the alleged offences are committed. No priority attention is given to such cases as the courts deal with a variety of other cases,” he lamented. This has led to cases lingering for years, often carried over from one election cycle to another.

The INEC Chairman highlighted recent successful prosecutions, including the conviction of a Returning Officer in Akwa Ibom State—an effort that took nearly six years to reach its conclusion. Additionally, collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has led to prosecutions of electoral offenders in Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Kwara, and Gombe States. However, Prof. Yakubu noted that many cases are still pending, underscoring the need for a specialized tribunal that would expedite justice and deter future offences.

Acknowledging the media’s crucial role in the electoral process, the INEC Chairman expressed appreciation for their collaboration, citing extensive coverage of recent elections. “Our partnership with the Union in particular, and the media as a critical stakeholder in the electoral process in general, will be sustained in the best interest of our electoral democracy,” he assured. The 2024 off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States saw 114 and 112 accredited media organizations respectively, with over 1,400 journalists deployed collectively.

As part of its electoral calendar, the Commission has released the timetable for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025. Party primaries will commence on March 20 and conclude by April 10, 2025. Additionally, the Area Council Elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will take place on February 21, 2026, with party primaries and nominations set for June 9–30, 2025.

Prof. Yakubu reiterated INEC’s commitment to improving election logistics and technology, following the widely praised Ondo State Governorship Election. “Every election or electoral activity presents its own unique challenge and an opportunity to learn lessons for improvement. We will strive harder to ensure the continuous improvement of our elections,” he assured.

The meeting also served as an opportunity to welcome the new President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya. Although unavoidably absent, he was ably represented by the National Secretary Achike Chude, who reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to working closely with INEC. “Our future, our destiny in this country, is already linked to one another. The success of INEC is the success of the Nigerian state. It is as simple as that,” he stated, pledging full cooperation in advancing electoral transparency.

While acknowledging INEC’s budgetary constraints, the NUJ President urged the Commission to explore cost-effective measures in the execution of electoral activities, given the prevailing economic realities in Nigeria. He also suggested that INEC consider alternative voting processes, such as the use of national identity cards, international passports, and drivers’ licenses for voter identification.

On the issue of electoral offences prosecution, the NUJ President echoed the call for the establishment of a specialized tribunal, stating that INEC should not be burdened with responsibilities beyond its core mandate of conducting elections.

“The pressure on INEC to prosecute offenders has always been met with reluctance, not due to unwillingness, but due to the institutional challenges. This is why we must support the establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal to relieve INEC of this burden,” he emphasized.