In a landmark ruling for electoral accountability, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has dismissed an objection by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against a suit seeking damages for altered election results.
Justice Peter Kekemeke ruled that every Nigerian voter has the legal right (locus standi) to hold INEC accountable if their vote is not reflected accurately in official results.
The suit was filed by Dr. Ephraim Obinna Okoye, who alleged that the result uploaded to the IReV portal for his polling unit in Wuye, Abuja, differed from the physical Form EC8A he witnessed being signed.
Okoye is seeking ₦150 million in damages for the "psychological pain and trauma" caused by the alleged falsification.
“The Judiciary can no longer sit back and watch helplessly under the guise of not rocking the boat,” Justice Kekemeke held, emphasizing that accountability must be demanded from government agencies.
INEC had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction and that only political parties or candidates could challenge election matters.
However, the judge clarified that Okoye was not seeking to overturn an election result but was suing for a breach of duty and emotional distress.
According to Qubes Magazine, this ruling could open the floodgates for individual citizens to seek civil damages against INEC for administrative lapses and data discrepancies. The trial is set to continue on September 24.
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