The independent electoral body in Nigeria has issued a warning to those spreading unofficial election results, saying that they could face grave jail term for doing so.
Osun REC, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, addressing members of the press at INEC head office Osogbo. Photo: Femi Dawodu
The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned politicians that announcing or publishing fake results in the Osun State governorship election is a criminal offence and punishable by a term of imprisonment.
The INEC said the people should await “official results” to be uploaded on its platforms as declared by the election returning officer.
The commission stated this on Saturday on its Twitter page to warn against false election results disseminated on social media.
It said, “Warning! Announcing or publishing a false election result is an offence. It is a criminal offence punishable by a term of imprisonment. The official Osun-decides-2018 results will be uploaded on our platforms as declared by the returning officer.
“This is to remind us that INEC has not completely banned the use of mobile phones at the polling unit but at the polling booth. We can use the INEC application to report incidents of misconduct.”
The commission also reiterated that vote buyers and sellers were also criminal offenders who would be punished by a term of imprisonment.
“Paying money to any other person for bribery at any election or receiving any money or gift for voting or to refrain from voting at any election is an offence. It is a criminal offence punishable by a term of imprisonment, a fine or both.”
The commission added, “A person voting or attempting to vote at an election when he or she is not qualified or inducing a person to vote at an election, knowing that such person is not qualified, is a criminal offence. It is punishable by a term of imprisonment, a fine or both.”