SUN NOV 15 2026-theGBJournal| 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 arrested in connection with reported incidents of electoral and political violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
SERAP said the demand followed growing reports of violence, intimidation, threats and attacks on political meetings, candidates, supporters and campaign activities across the country.
In a letter to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, the organisation expressed concern over attacks on political convoys and party secretariats, disruption of rallies and meetings, and intimidation of political opponents and supporters since campaigns for the 2027 elections began on 19 August 2026.
It said the incidents had reportedly resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of property and arrests.
SERAP specifically cited the reported attack on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on 12 November as one of the latest incidents.
The organisation urged Amupitan to direct INEC’s legal officers or lawyers appointed by the commission to obtain and review the relevant police case files and investigation materials and promptly prosecute those already arrested where available evidence establishes offences under the Electoral Act 2026.
It also called on the INEC chairman to press the police to intensify and conclude investigations into other reported incidents, identify and arrest additional suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and forward relevant case files and evidence to the commission for prosecution.
“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 said.
The organisation stressed that INEC had a statutory responsibility to prosecute electoral offences and ensure that those responsible were held accountable, irrespective 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 said.
It also argued that Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights agreements required the authorities to protect citizens’ rights to participate in public affairs and elections.
SERAP cited Articles 19, 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
It also referenced the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, saying its provisions guaranteed freedom of expression, association and assembly, as well as citizens’ right to participate freely in government.
SERAP said the rights protected by these instruments required Nigeria to take practical measures to prevent violations and provide effective remedies for those affected.
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