The Independent Judicial Accountability Panel (IJAP) has observed that recommendation for disqualification of candidates and political parties for serious offences were not included in the proposed Electoral Bill 2025.
The chairman of IJAB, Hon. Justice Mojeet Adekunle Owoade, stated this at the 3rd Session of the IJAP convened under the auspices of the CiTi-Act Project of ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) in Abuja on Friday.
He also noted with satisfaction that IJAP’S recommendation to increase punishment for electoral offences has been largely reflected in the proposed Electoral Bill 2025.
“For example, there are increases in the fines and alternative punishment for offences such as possession of multiple voters’ card, improper use of voters’ card, improper submission of list of candidates, exceeding limits in election expenses, falsification of documents by Accountants in relation to election expenses.
“IJAP reviewed the compendium of bills before the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution review and observes that a good number of the items are consistent with the recommendations of IJAP and has highlighted the following:
a. Pre-election matters and election petitions should be concluded before the swearing in of candidates after elections. (House Bill 1154)
“Consequences of decamping for the executive arm of government, from one political party to another where there is no evidence of division. (House Bill 994)
“One of the proposed bills (House Bill 1589), tallies with IJAP’s recommendation that the NJC should be involved in the appointment of the Chairman of INEC. IJAP is also of the opinion that such an independent body should nominate National and Resident Commissioners of INEC for appointment.
“IJAP further notes that the consideration of two levels of election adjudication particularly for governorship election falls in line with its recommendation. The difference, however, is that while IJAP recommends that governorship election adjudication should commence from the election tribunal and end at the Court of Appeal, the proposed Bill (House Bill 2168) recommends two levels from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court.
“IJAP reiterates its previous recommendations and that such tribunals be constituted by a 3-member panel and the Court of Appeal should be constituted by a 5–member panel.
” IJAP notes that the proposal to create the Political Party Registration and Regulatory Commission (PPRRC) and Electoral Offences Commission (EOC) (House Bill 1217), tallies with IJAP’s recommendation of unbundling INEC.
“The creation of the EOC will strengthen IJAP’s position that existing electoral offences need to be reviewed, with stringent punishment for offenders.
“IJAP further notes that the proposed bill (House Bill 1630) agrees with its recommendation for the inclusion of independent candidates in the Constitution.
“IJAP’s recommendation that the National Electoral body (INEC) should conduct Local Government elections is now included as a proposed Bill (House Bill 1649).”
