The Social Democratic Party has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to demonstrate boldness in implementing electoral laws and the Constitution during future elections.

The SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, conveyed this message while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday.

Gabam emphasized the expectations of Nigerians for INEC to make necessary adjustments and correct mistakes from past elections in the upcoming 2024 polls.

He stressed the importance of INEC taking decisive actions, including the prosecution of electoral offenders and the cancellation of elections when evidence of compromise exists.

“In the last election in Kogi, INEC admitted that the election result sheet, which is the most sensitive election material, was leaked and pre-filled before the election, but it didn’t act appropriately,” Gabam stated.

“INEC needs to be bold because they have the power to cancel elections where there is evidence of compromise. The law is very clear.”

He urged the INEC chairman to rectify past mistakes, citing instances where election results were not canceled despite acknowledged irregularities.

Gabam also called for the serious prosecution of electoral offenders to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

“The commission said that it was investigating some electoral offenders. INEC has to demonstrate to Nigerians that it is very serious in prosecuting them; otherwise, voter apathy in this country will be unprecedented,” he warned.

Addressing the need for a review of electoral laws, Gabam stressed the importance of reorienting Nigerians.

He highlighted the necessity for citizens to understand their rights and privileges in the electoral process.

“I think reorientation is key. Generally, there is a need for reorientation for people to understand their rights and privileges.”

“Once people started resisting an attempt to subvert their votes, there’s nothing anybody, including the executive, can do to subvert their will,” Gabam stated.

Gabam discouraged the attitude of boycotting elections and emphasized that a democratic system requires active participation from the citizenry.