The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), take immediate action to prosecute suspects arrested in connection with reported incidents of electoral and political violence. SERAP's request follows a series of attacks on political convoys, party meetings, and campaign activities across Nigeria since the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections on August 19, 2026.
SERAP cited several incidents of electoral and political violence, including the November 12 attack on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos State. The organisation also listed other incidents, such as the reported obstruction of the convoy of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State on September 8, and the attack on an NDC ward meeting and a separate Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Enugu State on September 12.
In a letter dated November 14, 2026, SERAP urged Amupitan to direct INEC's legal officers or appointed legal practitioners to review police investigation files and promptly prosecute suspects already arrested where available evidence establishes offences under the Electoral Act 2026. The organisation also asked Amupitan to prevail on the police to intensify and conclude investigations into other reported incidents, identify and arrest suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and transmit relevant case files and evidence to INEC for prosecution.
SERAP further urged Amupitan to exercise INEC's powers under Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 to demand explanations from political parties suspected of involvement in or encouraging prohibited conduct, and impose the prescribed fine on any party that fails to respond to or comply with a lawful directive. The organisation emphasised that prosecution of electoral offences is essential to punish individual offenders, deter future violations, and prevent the normalisation of electoral and political violence in Nigeria.
The organisation warned that failure to prosecute suspected perpetrators could encourage further attacks and deepen impunity, particularly as political parties and candidates intensify activities ahead of the 2027 elections. SERAP gave INEC seven days from the receipt and/or publication of its letter to implement the recommended measures, threatening to institute legal proceedings if the Commission fails to act.
SERAP expressed concern over growing reports of electoral and political violence, intimidation, threats, and attacks on political meetings, candidates, supporters, and campaign activities across Nigeria. The organisation cited incidents resulting in deaths, injuries, destruction of property, and arrests, including the October 14 attack on supporters of Accord governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, during a procession in Ibadan, Oyo State, which reportedly left one person dead.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project threatened legal action against Amupitan and INEC if they fail to act within seven days, warning that failure to prosecute offenders could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections. Effective prosecutions would send a clear message that no individual, political party, candidate, or group is above the law, SERAP added.
Key points
- Prosecution of electoral offences is essential to punish individual offenders and deter future violations.
- Failure to prosecute suspected perpetrators could encourage further attacks and deepen impunity.
- INEC has a clear statutory responsibility to prosecute electoral offences and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
