Prosecute Electoral Violence Suspects or Face Legal Action

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 individuals suspected of 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, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

The organisation urged Amupitan to obtain case files and relevant investigation materials from the Nigeria Police Force concerning individuals arrested in connection with reported incidents of electoral and political violence since campaigns for the 2027 elections began.

It also asked the INEC chairman to direct the commission’s legal officers or appointed legal practitioners to review the available evidence and promptly prosecute suspects where offences have been established under the Electoral Act 2026.

SERAP further urged INEC to press the police to conclude investigations into other reported attacks, identify and arrest suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and forward relevant evidence for prosecution.

The organisation also called on the commission to exercise its powers under Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 to demand explanations from political parties suspected of involvement in or encouragement of prohibited conduct.

SERAP said its intervention followed reports of several incidents of political violence across the country, including attacks on political convoys, disruption of party meetings and intimidation of supporters.

Among the incidents cited were reported attacks on the convoys of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue and Cross River states, an attack on ADC senatorial candidate Herberta Okonofua’s convoy in Edo State, and violence involving political supporters in Enugu, Oyo and Ebonyi states.

The organisation also referenced the disruption of an NDC town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on November 12, during which journalist Samuel Adebanjo was reportedly assaulted and his equipment seized.

SERAP acknowledged that the police had made arrests and commenced investigations but maintained that arrests alone were insufficient without prosecution where evidence supports criminal charges.

It cited Section 148(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides that prosecutions under the Act shall be undertaken by INEC legal officers or legal practitioners appointed by the commission.

The organisation said failure to prosecute electoral offences could encourage further violence, weaken public confidence in the electoral process and discourage citizens from participating in political activities.

SERAP requested that INEC take the recommended measures within seven days of receiving or the publication of its letter. It warned that failure to do so would prompt it to pursue appropriate legal action to compel the commission to fulfil its responsibilities.