A Federal High Court has ruled that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) does not have the legal authority to prosecute cases of vote buying under Nigeria’s Electoral Act. The court’s decision has sparked discussions on the enforcement of electoral laws and the fight against election malpractice in the country.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that the case was brought before the court following a legal dispute over the interpretation of the Electoral Act, particularly regarding which authorities have the jurisdiction to prosecute election-related offenses. The ruling clarifies the limits of the AGF’s powers, stating that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and designated agencies can handle such prosecutions.
According to Naija247news, the court emphasized that the Electoral Act grants INEC exclusive powers to investigate and prosecute vote buying and other electoral offenses. The judge held that while the AGF has general prosecutorial authority over criminal matters, election offenses are distinct and must be handled by the electoral body in accordance with the law.
Naija247news understands that the ruling may impact the government’s ongoing efforts to curb vote buying, a practice that has continued to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process. Analysts argue that the decision reinforces INEC’s autonomy in election matters but also raises concerns about whether the commission has the capacity to independently prosecute electoral offenses effectively.
Naija247news reports that the judgment could influence future election-related cases, particularly in defining the roles of various government agencies in maintaining electoral integrity. Some legal experts believe that the ruling may lead to legislative amendments to clarify the responsibilities of the AGF, INEC, and other relevant bodies in prosecuting electoral crimes.
Meanwhile, political stakeholders have reacted differently to the court’s decision. While some have welcomed the ruling as a necessary step to strengthen the independence of Nigeria’s electoral system, others worry that it could limit the federal government’s ability to swiftly address vote-buying incidents, especially in high-stakes elections.
Naija247news understands that INEC has yet to officially respond to the ruling, but legal observers expect the commission to reassess its enforcement strategies to ensure that electoral offenders are prosecuted without unnecessary legal obstacles.
According to Naija247news, the government may explore alternative legal frameworks to empower agencies to effectively tackle vote buying. As Nigeria prepares for future elections, stakeholders are calling for greater collaboration between INEC, security agencies, and anti-corruption bodies to ensure free, fair, and credible polls.
