Candidates with forged credentials will be prosecuted – INEC
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday said that the commission would work hand in hand with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, to take legal action against candidates who submitted forged academic credentials.
He made this revelation at a convergence on the collaboration for effective tax compliance of political office holders, which was convened by the Joint Tax Board (JTB).
“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 ICPC, the 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 public trust,” Yakubu said.
“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,” he said.
