SERAP GIVES INEC SEVEN DAYS TO PROSECUTE ELECTORAL VIOLENCE SUSPECTS

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unless it begins prosecuting individuals arrested in connection with reported cases of political and electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections within seven days.

The organisation made the demand in a letter dated November 14, 2026, and addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, asking the commission to obtain investigation reports and case files from the Nigeria Police Force to facilitate the prosecution of suspects against whom sufficient evidence has been established.

SERAP also urged INEC to deploy its legal officers or engage external legal practitioners to examine the available evidence and initiate appropriate proceedings in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

The call comes amid growing concerns over attacks on political gatherings, campaign activities and party supporters across the country since the commencement of political campaigns on August 19.

Among the recent incidents highlighted by the organisation was the November 12 attack on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos State.

In the letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP further called on the INEC chairman to engage the police to conclude investigations into outstanding cases, apprehend those responsible, including their sponsors, and transmit relevant evidence to the commission.

It also asked INEC to invoke its authority under Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 to demand explanations from political parties suspected of promoting or participating in prohibited activities and impose applicable sanctions where necessary.

The organisation listed several incidents to support its concerns, including the reported disruption of the convoy of NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State on September 8, and attacks on political meetings in Enugu State on September 12.

It also referenced the October 6 attack on the convoy of African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, in Edo State, as well as an assault on supporters of Accord governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, in Ibadan on October 14, which reportedly claimed one life.

Other incidents included the October 22 attack on the convoy of NDC candidate, Rollins Offia-Nwali, in Ebonyi State, where one person was reportedly killed and three others injured.

SERAP further cited the October 30 attack on the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and his team in Ado-Ekiti; an attack on Obi’s convoy in Calabar on November 4; and violence during an NDC procession in Asaba on November 7, which reportedly left one person dead and five others injured.

The group also raised concerns over the assault on journalist Samuel Adebanjo, whose recording equipment was reportedly seized while covering the November 12 incident in Lagos.

According to SERAP, allowing those responsible for such attacks to escape prosecution could strengthen impunity, trigger further violence and undermine the ability of opposition parties, candidates, journalists and ordinary citizens to participate in the electoral process without intimidation.

It maintained that making arrests without following through with prosecution would not guarantee accountability or prevent a recurrence of electoral offences.

“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 organisation said.

SERAP cited Sections 96, 97 and 120 of the Electoral Act 2026, which criminalise different forms of political violence, intimidation and disruptive behaviour at political gatherings.

It also relied on Section 148(2) of the Act, which empowers INEC’s legal officers and legal practitioners appointed by the commission to handle prosecutions relating to electoral offences.

The organisation stressed that prosecuting offenders was necessary to ensure that individuals involved in political violence face the consequences of their actions and to discourage further attacks as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

SERAP warned that it would initiate legal proceedings to compel INEC to fulfil its statutory obligations if the commission failed to take the requested steps within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter.