SERAP: Demands INEC Legal Action on Electoral Violence

• SERAP has given INEC a seven-day ultimatum to obtain police case files and prosecute suspects involved in electoral violence.
• The demand, issued on November 14, 2026, targets INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, urging action on incidents since August 19, 2026.
• SERAP insists INEC direct its legal officers to review evidence and prosecute offenses under the Electoral Act 2026.
• The organization also calls for INEC to utilize Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 to fine political parties for prohibited conduct.
• SERAP warns of legal action if INEC fails to comply, emphasizing the commission's statutory duty to ensure accountability for electoral violence.

The successful prosecution of electoral offences would unequivocally signal that no entity, whether an individual, political party, or candidate, operates beyond the reach of the law.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding immediate action to address widespread electoral violence. The human rights organization insists that INEC must obtain police case files related to reported incidents of violence and proceed with the prosecution of suspects where sufficient evidence is available.

This demand was formally conveyed in a letter dated November 14, 2026, and publicly announced by SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The communication was specifically addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, urging him to compel the commission to fulfill its statutory responsibilities regarding electoral offences. The ultimatum underscores a critical push for accountability concerning the Nigeria electoral violence prosecution.

SERAP's comprehensive demands include instructing INEC's legal department or appointed legal practitioners to promptly review investigation materials provided by the Nigeria Police Force. These materials pertain to individuals arrested in connection with electoral and political violence since the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections on August 19, 2026. The objective is to prosecute those for whom evidence substantiates offenses under the Electoral Act 2026.

Furthermore, the organization has called upon INEC to exert pressure on the police to intensify their investigative efforts, identify and apprehend additional suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and subsequently forward all relevant case files and evidence for prosecution. SERAP also highlighted INEC's powers under Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026, urging the commission to demand explanations from political parties suspected of encouraging or engaging in prohibited conduct, and to impose prescribed fines on any party failing to comply with lawful directives. The successful prosecution of electoral offences would unequivocally signal that no entity, whether an individual, political party, or candidate, operates beyond the reach of the law.

SERAP's urgent call for action stems from numerous reported incidents of political violence that have marred the campaign period across the country. These include an alleged attack on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on November 12, 2026.

Other significant incidents cited by SERAP involve the reported obstruction of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi's convoy in Benue State on September 8, 2026, and attacks on an NDC ward meeting and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Enugu State on September 12, 2026. The organization also referenced an attack on the convoy of ADC senatorial candidate Herberta Okonofua in Edo State on October 6, 2026, and attacks on NDC supporters during governorship candidate Chinyeaka Ohaa's campaign activities in Enugu State on October 10, 2026, which tragically resulted in a fatality. An attack on supporters of Accord governorship candidate Oriyomi Hamzat during a procession in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, was also listed.

The organization firmly believes that the prosecution of electoral offences is vital, not only for punishing individual offenders but also for deterring future violations and preventing the normalization of electoral and political violence within the nation. SERAP emphasized that INEC holds a clear statutory responsibility to prosecute electoral offences and ensure accountability, irrespective of political affiliations or positions.

Should INEC fail to act within the stipulated seven-day period following the receipt or publication of SERAP's letter, the organization has pledged to initiate all appropriate legal actions. This impending SERAP legal action against INEC electoral violence underscores a critical juncture for the Independent National Electoral Commission prosecution efforts, highlighting the imperative for robust enforcement of the Electoral Act 2026 electoral offences to safeguard democratic processes.

Lawyers should note SERAP's impending legal action against INEC to compel prosecution of electoral violence suspects, indicating a heightened focus on enforcing the Electoral Act 2026. This could lead to increased scrutiny and potential prosecution for political actors involved in such incidents, and compliance officers should advise clients on adherence to Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 regarding prohibited conduct to avoid fines.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH