SERAP Urges National Assembly to Probe Allegations Against INEC Chairman

By Tgnews Reporter

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the National Assembly to immediately exercise its constitutional oversight powers by launching a credible, impartial, transparent, and effective investigation into serious allegations made against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on his X (formerly Twitter) account, as well as the commission’s response to those claims.

In a strongly worded statement, SERAP expressed deep concern that the allegations and INEC’s handling of them have raised fundamental questions about the integrity, impartiality, and credibility of the electoral umpire, issues that strike at the heart of public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“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,” SERAP said.

The organisation noted that the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to conduct such investigations into the conduct of public officials and institutions, including INEC, in order to expose corruption, inefficiency, or abuse of office.

It stressed that exercising these powers in this matter would serve the legitimate public interest by promoting accountability and reinforcing the integrity of the electoral system.

SERAP emphasised that no public official or institution is above scrutiny, and lawmakers have a clear constitutional duty to ensure that serious allegations of wrongdoing are not ignored or swept under the carpet.

The group further reminded the National Assembly of Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which require prompt, credible, and transparent investigations into matters of this nature.

SERAP urged the National Assembly to be guided strictly by due process, ensure full compliance with constitutional and international fair hearing standards, and make its findings public.

It added that where sufficient admissible evidence of wrongdoing is established, appropriate remedial measures must be taken in line with the law.

“ The independence and impartiality of INEC are conditions precedent to the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria,” SERAP stated.

“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.”

The statement underscores growing public anxiety over the perceived neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral body as the country approaches future election cycles.

SERAP maintained that only a thorough and open parliamentary investigation can help restore and sustain citizens’ trust in the democratic process.