SERAP also urged Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to promptly and effectively investigate reports of electoral violence and other electoral offences committed during the general elections, identify perpetrators and their sponsors and ensure their effective prosecution, regardless of their political status or affiliation.
“Section 52 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act allows INEC to seek the appointment of an independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral violence and other electoral offences such as bribery that may have been committed by any state governor and/or their deputy.”
Electoral violence, the body noted, is a threat to fair and representative elections. “It is inconsistent and incompatible with the principles of democracy, the rule of law, transparency and accountability for politicians to allegedly use violence to disrupt the electoral process.” DSS had earlier advised political players to abide by the rules of engagement as well as approach the courts for redress any form of political problem.