2023 Elections: INEC Awards Itself High Marks as 74.4% of Petitions Rejected by Tribunals

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lauded its performance in the 2023 general elections, citing the significant number of dismissed and withdrawn petitions as evidence of the legitimacy of the electoral process. INEC’s assertion comes in response to concerns about the credibility of the elections, as reported by the media.

As per the latest update, out of the 1,196 petitions filed following the 2023 polls, a total of 712 have been dismissed, and 179 were withdrawn. This reflects that in 891 cases, or 74.4% of the total petitions, the election tribunals found no merit and upheld the results declared by INEC.

Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner & Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, addressed the issue. He clarified that the reported figure of 1,280 contested posts includes elections conducted in 1,491 constituencies nationwide, comprising 1 Presidential, 28 Governorship, 109 Senatorial, 360 House of Representatives, and 993 State Assembly constituencies.

Olumekun emphasized that INEC cannot be held responsible for pre-election disputes stemming from political parties’ primary elections. He stated, “These are intra-party cases involving party members in which they join the Commission and seek for reliefs binding on it. As everyone knows, INEC does not conduct primaries for political parties.”

Furthermore, Olumekun highlighted that the grounds for challenging election outcomes, as defined in Section 134 of the Electoral Act, 2022, extend beyond the conduct of elections by the Commission. Petitions may address issues such as the eligibility of candidates, their qualifications, or nomination by political parties. INEC lacks the authority to screen candidates or disqualify them; only the courts possess that power.

In sum, INEC asserts that the high number of dismissed and withdrawn petitions underscores the integrity of the 2023 elections and the essential role of the democratic process.