ICPC To Investigate INEC Officials Over Alleged Infractions In Edo Governorship Election

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed plans to probe the complaints filed against members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning the recently concluded governorship election in Edo State.

Recall that the electoral commission declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election on September 21, 2014, in Edo State.

However, during a recent conversation with journalists, the spokesperson for the anti-corruption body, Demola Bakare, revealed that several complaints have been received against some INEC officials.

Reports had emerged earlier speculating how election observers who were present during the state’s recent election stormed the ICPC’s headquarters to lodge complaints against the INEC.

These observers, primarily legal professionals, had gathered under the umbrella of Tap Initiative, specifically calling for the arrest and prosecution of the commission’s officials for allegedly producing two sets of result sheets (EC8A).

The Executive Director of Tap Initiative, Martin Obono, had indicated that the commission’s actions had escalated to a point where they should be reported to USAID, EU, UK, and other international organizations.

However, the ICPC spokesman told Daily Trust yesterday, “When we are addressing a petition, we do not disclose the details.

“You can be sure that the petition was received, it was acknowledged. Definitely, if there is substance in it, we will do something about it.

“But it is not our tradition to tell anybody about what we are doing. We received the petition and it was acknowledged. Be sure that something will be done.”