The Independent National Electoral Commission announced on Tuesday that it would work with anti-corruption agencies to prosecute political party candidates with forged academic credentials in the 2023 general election.
The commission stated that such collaboration would involve the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offenses Commission and the Code of Conduct Bureau.
INEC also clarified that there is no specific law that requires electoral candidates to present proof of tax payment before they can run for office.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of INEC, stated this in Abuja during a meeting on the collaboration for Effective Tax Compliance of Political Office Holders, convened at the request of the Joint Tax Board.
The Chief Executive Officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Code of Conduct Bureau were also present at the meeting.
Yakubu stated that, in addition to the nullification of elections for candidates who submitted false or forged credentials, such individuals should be prosecuted.
He said, “We are already collaborating with the ICPC which is prosecuting candidates who submitted fake or forged academic credentials to INEC, as a result of which elections were nullified by the Election Petition Tribunals.
“Beyond the nullification of elections, such persons should be prosecuted. And I am happy that the ICPC is handling that responsibility.
“Let me assure you that INEC is in collaboration with the ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau in our efforts to make Nigeria a better place and to ensure that persons who are elected comply with the laws of the land and are suitably qualified to hold the public trust.
“Nigeria must be a democratic nation for all and not just a plutocracy for a few people, who end up evading taxes.
“So I want to thank you and be rest assured of our willingness to collaborate with you”.
Yakubu stated that there was no specific law requiring candidates for election to present proof of tax payment before they could run for office.
He did, however, pledge INEC’s commitment to relevant agencies to ensure that public office holders followed the country’s constitution and relevant laws, including tax.
The INEC boss emphasized “But we understand the importance of this collaboration and we will collaborate with you.
“All candidates for elected offices are required to complete the INEC nomination forms and to swear to an affidavit that they have fully and faithfully provided the requisite information to the commission.
“We will collaborate with sister agencies to provide whatever information you require to facilitate your constitutional roles.
“Leadership comes with enormous responsibilities, at both the executive and legislative levels and persons entrusted with that responsibility must respect the constitution and laws of this country.
“That’s why agencies responsible for ensuring compliance with the constitution and laws of this government just like INEC, have fully supported us.”
