Court mandates INEC to address underage voting scandal within 90 days

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a directive compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to identify and hand over its officials involved in the registration of underage voters within the next 90 days. The court order also stipulates that the implicated individuals should be transferred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for thorough investigation and potential prosecution.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the judgment, emphasized the urgency of expunging the names of underage voters from INEC’s national voters’ register. The court ruled that this cleansing process must be completed within 90 days from the date of the judgment.

In addition to the expungement, the court mandated INEC to provide the plaintiff, Rev. Mike Agbon, with a certified true copy (CTC) of the cleaned-up national voters’ register of eligible voters within the same timeframe. Alternatively, INEC was instructed to publish the revised register on its website within the stipulated 90 days.

The plaintiff, Rev. Mike Agbon, had filed the lawsuit against INEC, questioning the constitutional, legal, and duty-bound responsibilities of the electoral body. He raised concerns about the alleged registration of underage individuals during the continuous voters’ registration exercise, a violation of the Electoral Act.

The court affirmed the plaintiff’s claims, stating that the registered voters identified in Exhibit ‘A’ provided by Agbon were indeed underage, falling below the required age of 18. Justice Egwuatu emphasized the duty of registration officers and update officers to adhere to the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act during voter registration.

Furthermore, the court cited Section 120(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which stipulates penalties for officers who breach their official duties. The judgment highlighted that such officers could face fines of up to N500,000 or imprisonment for a maximum term of 12 months, or both.

Despite being served with court processes and hearing notices, INEC did not present a defense or representation in court during the proceedings. The judgment, delivered on November 28, seeks to address and rectify the issue of underage voting, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.