Pat Utomi, a Nigerian political economist, says Nigeria must punish all offenders in the 2023 general elections or risk truncating the nation’s democracy.
Mr Utomi, the convener of BIG-TENT, a coalition of political parties, social movements and civil society organisations for Peter Obi-Baba-Ahmed Datti, made this remark at a news conference on Monday in Lagos while assessing the process and outcome of the recent polls.
According to him, unless those who commit electoral fraud, disrupt the process, harass, kill and maim voters are jailed in Nigeria, the phrase “go to court” will continue to be a regular line among election riggers in Nigeria.
“What happened to yesterday’s electoral process offenders? So, why will the offence not be committed again,” Mr Utomi asked.
“I do hope our judiciary can draw a lesson from Kenya and not let its reputation go down the drain.
“But it must then punish offenders. If this does not happen, then the essence of institutions in setting…
