2027: SERAP Gives INEC Seven Days To Prosecute Electoral Violence Suspects

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) made the demand in a letter dated November 14, 2026, and addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, urging the commission to obtain relevant case files and investigation materials from the Nigeria Police Force and prosecute suspects where sufficient evidence exists.

SEARP also asked INEC to direct its legal officers or appointed legal practitioners to review the files and promptly initiate prosecutions under the Electoral Act 2026.

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The demand follows several reported incidents of political violence across the country since campaigns for the 2027 elections began on 19 August, including the latest attack on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on 12 Novembe

In the letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged Amupitan to press the police to conclude investigations into other reported attacks, arrest suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and forward relevant evidence to INEC.

It 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 encouraging prohibited conduct and impose prescribed fines on those that fail to comply with lawful directives.

SERAP expressed concern over reports of attacks on political convoys, party secretariats, rallies and meetings, as well as intimidation of candidates and supporters.

Cited incidents included the reported obstruction of the convoy of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue State on 8 September; attacks on political meetings in Enugu State on 12 September; and the attack on the convoy of ADC senatorial candidate Herberta Okonofua in Edo State on 6 October.

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