The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission to prosecute individuals suspected of involvement in election violence or face legal action. In a letter dated November 14, 2026, SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, demanded that INEC take action against those responsible for the violence. The group cited reports of attacks on political rallies, party meetings, and supporters of candidates since the start of the 2027 election campaign on August 19.
SERAP's ultimatum follows a spate of violent incidents, including an attack on an NDC meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on November 12, where journalist Samuel Adebanjo was reportedly assaulted and his equipment seized. The group also mentioned attacks on Peter Obi's convoy in Binuwai and Calabar, as well as clashes in Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, and Delta states. The organization has called on INEC to use its powers under Section 83 of the 2026 Electoral Act to obtain information from political parties suspected of involvement in or sponsorship of prohibited activities.
The group demanded that INEC accept investigation reports and legal documents from the police, have its lawyers assess the evidence, and prosecute suspects if sufficient evidence is found. SERAP also urged INEC to pressure the police to complete investigations into other attacks, identify suspects, and provide information to facilitate legal action. The organization stated that it took this step due to reports of violence against politicians, party meetings, and supporters of candidates.
SERAP warned that failure to prosecute suspects could exacerbate the current political tensions. The group emphasized that arresting suspects without prosecution does not ensure accountability and that the failure to punish offenders could further destabilize the political environment. The organization cited Section 83 of the 2026 Electoral Act, which empowers INEC to take action against political parties that violate electoral laws.
If INEC fails to act within the 7-day ultimatum, SERAP has threatened to take legal action to compel the commission to perform its statutory duties. The group stated that it will not hesitate to seek judicial intervention to ensure that INEC takes concrete steps to address election violence. This move is aimed at ensuring that perpetrators of election violence are brought to justice.
The 2026 Electoral Act grants INEC the power to impose fines on political parties that violate electoral laws. SERAP has urged INEC to use this power to sanction parties involved in or sponsoring prohibited activities. The organization believes that this will help deter future instances of election violence.
The ultimatum is a response to the rising cases of election violence in Nigeria. SERAP's action aims to ensure that INEC takes proactive steps to prevent further violence and ensure accountability for past incidents. The outcome of this ultimatum will be closely watched by stakeholders in Nigeria's electoral process.
Key points
- SERAP demands INEC prosecute election violence suspects within 7 days or face legal action.
