SERAP GIVES INEC SEVEN-DAY ULTIMATUM TO PROSECUTE POLITICIANS ENGAGED IN EARLY CAMPAIGNS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to identify and prosecute politicians and political parties engaging in electioneering ahead of the legally approved campaign window.
In a letter dated September 13 and addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, SERAP warned that it would take legal action if the commission fails to act within seven days.
According to a statement signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and released on Sunday, the group described premature campaigns as unconstitutional, illegal, and damaging to Nigeria’s democratic governance and economic development.
“INEC must identify politicians and political parties blatantly violating constitutional and statutory provisions prohibiting early election campaigns and ensure their prosecution,” SERAP urged.
The group further called on INEC to monitor erring political parties, develop clear regulations on campaign conduct, and sanction violators under Section 83(4) and Section 225 of the Nigerian Constitution.
SERAP maintained that INEC has the constitutional and statutory authority to enforce campaign rules, stressing that early campaigns violate Section 94(1) of the Constitution, which permits political campaigns only within 150 days before polling day.
The rights group also alleged that some state governors were diverting subsidy removal windfalls to fund premature campaigns instead of investing in social and economic development, despite rising poverty levels and failure by many states to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage.
“Early election campaigns have adverse effects on economic development due to prolonged electioneering frenzy. They are inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution, Electoral Act, and the country’s international human rights obligations,” the letter stated.
SERAP insisted that failure by INEC to act would foster impunity and undermine public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel compliance in the public interest,” the statement added.
The organisation stressed that enforcing the 150-day campaign window is critical to upholding human dignity, equality, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s democracy.
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