The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish an Electoral Offences Commission (EOC). The EOC will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting electoral offences in Nigeria.
The bill, which was passed on Tuesday, April 27, 2023, is aimed at curbing electoral malpractices and ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
According to the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, the establishment of the EOC will strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system and boost public confidence in the country’s democracy.
Lawan also noted that the EOC will have the power to investigate and prosecute electoral offences such as vote-buying, ballot box snatching, falsification of election results, and other related offences.
The bill will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it is sent to the President for assent.
The passage of the bill has been welcomed by many Nigerians, who have long called for the establishment of an independent body to handle electoral offences in the country.
However, some critics have expressed concerns about the independence of the EOC, as it will be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Despite the concerns, many Nigerians remain optimistic that the establishment of the EOC will go a long way in ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.