How INEC Declared a Prison Inmate Winner of Rerun Election in Enugu

A Nigerian lawyer, Okere Kingdom, has expressed shock over what he described as a disturbing development in the country’s electoral system after discovering that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared a prison inmate the winner of a rerun election in Enugu State.

‘I Was Bewildered,’ Lawyer Says
Speaking during an interview on Signature TV, Okere revealed that he stumbled on the report by chance. “I don’t know how exactly, I just stumbled into the news and saw how INEC declared a prison inmate winner of a rerun election, following a tribunal nullification and order for a fresh poll,” he said.

Serious Questions Over Credibility
The lawyer warned that the development raises significant constitutional and legal concerns, stressing that allowing someone in lawful custody to contest—and win—an election undermines both the rule of law and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Observers have also started questioning INEC’s role, noting that the electoral body is obligated to properly vet candidates before placing their names on the ballot. Okere called on the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to urgently investigate the matter to protect the integrity of future elections.

“If issues like this are not addressed, they could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy,” he warned.

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