SERAP Urges INEC to Prosecute Suspects in Electoral Violence Cases

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take action against those suspected of electoral violence. In a letter dated 14 November 2026, SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to collect investigation materials related to arrests made in connection with electoral and political violence since campaigning for the 2027 general elections began on 19 August 2026.

SERAP requested that INEC's legal team review case files to prosecute individuals arrested if the evidence warrants it. They also called on the police to increase investigations, identify further suspects and their sponsors, and forward relevant files for prosecution. This demand follows reports of multiple incidents of political violence across Nigeria, including an alleged attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on 12 November.

The letter detailed several incidents of political violence since campaigning began, including the obstruction of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi's convoy in Benue State and attacks on NDC meetings across various states. SERAP highlighted that while the police have made arrests, they are insufficient for accountability; proper investigations and prosecutions are necessary where evidence supports them.

SERAP insisted that INEC use its authority under the Electoral Act 2026 to demand explanations from political parties believed to be involved in prohibited conduct and to impose fines on those that do not comply with lawful directives. The organisation claimed that prosecuting electoral offences is critical not only to punish offenders but to deter future violations and prevent the normalisation of political violence.

The organisation maintained that INEC has a statutory obligation to ensure accountability, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved. SERAP warned it would take legal action if INEC did not respond within seven days from receipt or publication of the letter, stating it would take all appropriate legal actions to compel INEC to fulfil its statutory responsibilities in the public interest.

The letter referenced the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits electoral violence and sets out the responsibilities of INEC and law enforcement in prosecuting offenders. SERAP's actions aim to ensure that those responsible for electoral violence are brought to justice and that such incidents do not recur in future elections.

The outcome of SERAP's request to INEC is yet to be seen. The organisation's move is part of its efforts to promote electoral accountability and prevent future incidents of political violence in Nigeria's electoral process.

Key points

• Prosecution of electoral offences is critical to punish offenders and deter future violations.
• INEC has a statutory obligation to ensure accountability, regardless of political affiliations.
• SERAP will take legal action if INEC does not respond within seven days.