SERAP threatens INEC with legal action over electoral violence

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to obtain police case files on reported electoral violence and prosecute suspects where sufficient evidence exists. In a letter dated November 14, 2026, SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, asked INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, to direct INEC's legal officers to review the case files and prosecute persons already arrested where the available evidence establishes offences under the Electoral Act 2026.

SERAP's demand follows reports of several incidents of political violence across the country, including the alleged attack on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on November 12. The organisation also cited several other incidents of electoral violence since campaigns for the 2027 elections began on August 19, 2026, including attacks on NDC supporters and other political parties' events in various states.

The organisation 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 or comply with a lawful directive. SERAP said that the prosecution of electoral offences is essential not only to punish individual offenders but also to deter future violations and prevent the normalisation of electoral and political violence in the country.

SERAP listed several reported incidents of political violence, including the reported obstruction of the convoy of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue State on September 8; attacks on an NDC ward meeting and a Peoples Democratic Party rally in Enugu State on September 12; and the reported attack on the convoy of ADC senatorial candidate Herberta Okonofua in Edo State on October 6. These incidents resulted in the death of several persons and injuries to many others.

The organisation warned that it would take legal action if INEC failed to act within seven days of receiving or the publication of the letter. SERAP said that INEC has a clear statutory responsibility to prosecute electoral offences and ensure that those responsible are held to account, regardless of their political affiliations or positions. Effective prosecutions would send a clear message that no individual, political party, candidate, or group is above the law.

SERAP also urged INEC to work with the Police and other investigative authorities to ensure that persons suspected of electoral offences are prosecuted where the available evidence supports charges. The organisation noted that while arrests alone are insufficient to secure accountability or deter further violations, suspected perpetrators must be investigated and, where the evidence supports prosecution, brought before competent courts.

The letter stated that if INEC failed to take the recommended measures within seven days, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel INEC to discharge its statutory responsibilities in the public interest. The organisation cited sections 96, 97 and 120 of the Electoral Act 2026, which provide for offences and penalties relating to the use of force, threats and disorderly conduct at political meetings.

Key points

• SERAP gives INEC 7 days to obtain police case files on electoral violence and prosecute suspects
• The organisation cited several incidents of electoral violence since campaigns for the 2027 elections began
• SERAP warned that it would take legal action if INEC failed to act within seven days of receiving or the publication of the letter