The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a week to obtain police files on electoral violence and pursue prosecutions where evidence exists.
In a letter dated 14 November 2026, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to collect investigation materials related to arrests made in connection with electoral and political violence since campaigning for the 2027 general elections began.
SERAP requested that INEC’s legal team review these case files to prosecute individuals arrested if the evidence warrants it. They also called on the police to increase their investigations, identify further suspects and their sponsors, and forward relevant files for prosecution.
This demand follows reports of multiple incidents of political violence across Nigeria, including an alleged attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on 12 November.
In the letter, SERAP insisted that INEC use its authority under the Electoral Act 2026 to demand explanations from political parties believed to be involved in prohibited conduct and to impose fines on those that do not comply with lawful directives.
SERAP claimed that prosecuting electoral offences is critical not only to punish offenders but to deter future violations and prevent the normalisation of political violence. They maintained that INEC has a statutory obligation to ensure accountability, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.
The organisation warned it would take legal action if INEC did not respond within seven days from receipt or publication of the letter, stating, “If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to fulfil your statutory responsibilities in the public interest.”
The letter detailed several incidents of political violence since campaigning began on 19 August 2026, including the obstruction of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State and attacks on NDC meetings across various states.
SERAP highlighted that while the police have made arrests, they are insufficient for accountability; proper investigations and prosecutions are necessary where evidence supports them. The letter referenced the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits electoral violence and sets out the responsibilities of INEC and law enforcement in prosecuting offenders.
