Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the National Assembly to urgently exercise its constitutional oversight powers to investigate allegations reportedly made against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement.on Tuesday, SERAP urged lawmakers to conduct what it described as a credible, impartial and transparent inquiry into the allegations and the electoral body’s response.
“BREAKING: We urge the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional oversight functions to conduct credible, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into the serious allegations reportedly made against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on his X (formerly Twitter) account and the plausibility of the response by INEC to the allegations,” the group said.
SERAP noted that the allegations and INEC’s response have raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral body and the broader electoral process.
“These allegations and INEC’s response raise serious concerns about the integrity, impartiality of the electoral commission, and compliance with the rule of law and go to the heart of public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process,” the statement added.
According to the organisation, the credibility of INEC is fundamental to democratic governance, stressing that any claims capable of undermining public trust must be properly investigated.
“The credibility of INEC is essential to the integrity and legitimacy of Nigeria’s electoral process, and any allegations that may undermine this credibility must be promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigated. The National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to conduct this investigation,” SERAP stated.
The group referenced Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to probe public officials and institutions.
“Indeed, under Sections 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the National Assembly has the power to conduct investigations into the conduct of public officials and institutions including INEC, in order to expose corruption, inefficiency, or abuse of office,” it noted.
SERAP further stressed that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny, urging lawmakers to ensure accountability.
“No public official or institution is above scrutiny, and the National Assembly has a constitutional duty to ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are not ignored or swept under the carpet,” the group said.
The organisation also cited Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights frameworks, urging lawmakers to act in line with due process and transparency.
“The National Assembly should be guided by due process in any investigation and ensure full compliance with constitutional and international fair trial standards, and should make its findings public to restore and maintain public trust in the electoral process,” SERAP stated.
It added that where credible evidence of wrongdoing is established, appropriate legal action should follow.
“Where there is sufficient admissible evidence of wrongdoing, appropriate measures must be taken in accordance with the law to effectively address any wrongdoing.”
SERAP concluded by stressing that maintaining the independence and impartiality of INEC remains critical to credible elections in Nigeria.
“Where doubts arise regarding the conduct or impartiality of those entrusted with overseeing elections, such concerns must be promptly and transparently addressed by the lawmakers, consistent with their constitutional oath of office.”