2027 elections: SERAP gives INEC 7 days to prosecute electoral violence suspects or face legal action

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seven days to “obtain from the Nigeria Police Force the case files and relevant investigation materials concerning persons arrested in connection with reported incidents of electoral and political violence since the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections, and promptly prosecute those against whom the available evidence establishes offences under the Electoral Act 2026.” SERAP’s letter follows reports of several incidents of electoral and political violence across the country since the commencement of campaigns, including the latest reported attack on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) members and supporters during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos on 12 November 2026.

SERAP urged Professor Amupitan to “direct INEC’s legal officers or legal practitioners appointed by the Commission to promptly review the case files and prosecute persons already arrested where the available evidence establishes offences under the Electoral Act 2026.” SERAP also urged him and INEC to “press the Police to intensify and conclude investigations into other reported incidents, identify and arrest all other suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and transmit the relevant case files and evidence to the Commission for prosecution.” SERAP further urged him to “exercise INEC’s powers under section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 to demand explanations from political parties suspected of involvement in or encouraging prohibited conduct, and impose the prescribed fine on any party that fails to respond or comply with a lawful directive.” In the letter dated 14 November 2026 and signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “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: “INEC has a clear statutory responsibility to prosecute electoral offences and ensure that those responsible are held to account, regardless 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.” The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to discharge your statutory responsibilities in the public interest.” “SERAP is concerned about growing reports of electoral and political violence, intimidation, threats and attacks on political meetings, candidates, supporters and campaign activities across Nigeria.” “Since campaigns for the 2027 general elections commenced on 19 August 2026, several incidents of attacks on political convoys and party secretariats, disruption of rallies and meetings, and intimidation of political opponents and supporters have been reported across the country.

These incidents have reportedly resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of property and arrests.” “These developments raise serious concerns about the safety of political participants, the ability of parties and candidates to campaign freely, and the prospects for peaceful, free and credible general elections in 2027.” “Failure to prosecute suspected perpetrators could encourage further attacks and deepen impunity.

Such a climate of fear may deter opposition parties from holding meetings, prevent candidates from reaching voters, silence journalists and undermine citizens’ political participation.” “Since the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections on 19 August 2026, several incidents of electoral and political violence have been reported across the country.” “These include the reported obstruction of the convoy of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State on 8 September; the attack on an NDC ward meeting and a separate PDP rally in Enugu State on 12 September; the reported attack on the convoy of ADC senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, in Edo State on 6 October; and the attacks on NDC supporters during the campaign activities of governorship candidate Chinyeaka Ohaa in Enugu State on 10 October, in which one supporter subsequently died.” “Other reported incidents include the attack on supporters of Accord governorship candidate Oriyomi Hamzat during a procession in Ibadan on 14 October, which resulted in one death; the attack on the convoy of NDC candidate Rollins Offia-Nwali in Ebonyi State on 22 October, which reportedly left one person dead and three injured; and the attack on AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti on 30 October.” “More recently, Peter Obi’s convoy was attacked in Calabar on 4 Novembe