The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to obtain police investigation files and prosecute suspects linked to reported electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation warned that it would take legal action against INEC if the commission failed to discharge its statutory responsibilities within the stipulated period.
SERAP made the demand in a letter dated November 14, 2026, addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.
The letter, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged the commission to obtain relevant case files and investigation materials from the Nigeria Police Force and prosecute suspects where available evidence establishes offences under the Electoral Act 2026.
The organisation also asked Amupitan to direct INEC’s legal officers or appointed legal practitioners to review the investigation files and initiate appropriate prosecutions.
SERAP Cites Growing Electoral Violence
SERAP’s demand follows several reported incidents of political violence across the country since campaigns for the 2027 general elections commenced on August 19, 2026.
The organisation expressed concern over attacks on political convoys, party secretariats, campaign meetings and supporters, warning that such incidents threaten peaceful political participation and credible elections.
Among the incidents cited were the reported obstruction of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State on September 8.
Others included attacks on political meetings in Enugu State, the reported attack on the convoy of African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, in Edo State, and attacks on political supporters in Oyo and other states.
SERAP also cited the reported attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and his team in Ado-Ekiti on October 30, as well as the reported attack on Obi’s convoy in Calabar on November 4.
The organisation further referenced the disruption of an NDC procession in Asaba, Delta State, on November 7, which reportedly left one person dead and five others injured.
The latest incident involved the disruption of an NDC town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on November 12. A journalist, Samuel Adebanjo, was reportedly assaulted, while his equipment was seized during the incident.
SERAP Demands Action Against Political Parties
Beyond prosecuting arrested suspects, SERAP urged INEC to press the police to conclude investigations into other reported incidents, identify and arrest suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and forward relevant evidence to the commission.
It also called on Amupitan to invoke Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 to demand explanations from political parties suspected of involvement in or encouraging prohibited conduct.
The organisation said INEC should impose prescribed fines on political parties that fail to respond to or comply with lawful directives.
SERAP maintained that arrests alone were insufficient to guarantee accountability or prevent further electoral violence.
It also cited Sections 96, 97 and 120 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibit various forms of political violence, intimidation and disorderly conduct at political meetings.
Additionally, it referenced Section 148(2), which provides for the prosecution of electoral offences by INEC’s legal officers or legal practitioners appointed by the commission.
SERAP Threatens Legal Action
The organisation warned that failure to prosecute suspected electoral offenders could encourage further attacks, deepen impunity and discourage opposition parties, candidates, journalists and citizens from participating freely in political activities.
It stressed that effective prosecution was necessary to deter future violations and ensure that individuals and political parties were held accountable regardless of their affiliations or positions.
SERAP acknowledged that the police and other law enforcement agencies have primary responsibility for criminal investigations, arrests and evidence gathering.
However, it argued that INEC must fulfil its statutory responsibility by working with investigative authorities and prosecuting electoral offences where sufficient evidence exists.
The organisation requested that the commission implement its recommendations within seven days of receiving or the publication of the letter.
It warned that it would pursue appropriate legal action to compel INEC to discharge its responsibilities if the commission failed to act.
