Femi Falana Advocates Stringent Sanctions for Electoral Offenders to Ensure Credible Elections

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has emphasized the need for severe sanctions against electoral offenders in Nigeria to curb manipulation and ensure the credibility of elections. Falana urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act of 2022 to establish an electoral offences commission with the authority to arrest and prosecute offenders.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Falana commended the collaboration between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for preparing 191 case files of electoral offenders for prosecution from the last elections.

He stated, "It is by ensuring the successful prosecution of the electoral offenders that Nigeria can put an end to the brazen manipulation of the democratic process by members of the political class and their cohorts."

While acknowledging the current collaboration as an ad hoc arrangement, Falana urged both houses of the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act 2022. He proposed empowering the federal government to establish an electoral offences commission, aligning with the recommendation of the Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Panel.

Falana emphasized that stringent sanctions against electoral offenders are crucial to breaking the cycle of electoral manipulation. He warned that unless such offenders face severe consequences, election results will continue to be contested and determined by election petition tribunals and the courts.

The call for legislative action underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria's electoral processes and enhance public confidence in the democratic system. The proposed amendments could play a vital role in deterring electoral malpractices and promoting the integrity of future elections in the country.