Group invokes FOI, requests INEC panel report on Kano underage voting

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resource Centre (HEDA), a non-governmental organisation and non-partisan human rights and development league, has invoked provisions of the Freedom of Information Act on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a copy of the report by the Commission’s panel on the investigation of alleged underage voting in Kano State Local Government Election.

In the FoI request issued by HEDA and signed by its chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, the Resource Centre said the report will aid the investigations by civil society into the issues arising from the said elections, same being an issue of national interest.

The letter reads: “In view of the recent media outcry over the refusal of the Commission to fully reveal the findings of the panel set up by the Commission to investigate allegations of underage voting during the February council polls in Kano State, we are compelled to humbly request that your good office furnish us with the said report in line with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

“We believe that a release of the said report by your agency will aid the investigations by civil society into the issues arising from the said elections, same being an issue of national interest.

“We have thus brought this application pursuant to the provisions of Section 2, 3, and 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

“We look forward to your utmost cooperation and the prompt receipt of the requested information and in any event, within seven (7) days of this application as provided under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.”