2027: SERAP issues seven-day ultimatum to INEC for prosecution of electoral offenders
2027: SERAP issues seven-day ultimatum to INEC for prosecution of electoral offenders
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has given the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, seven days to prosecute suspects involved in electoral violence or face legal action.
In a letter to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SERAP said the commission must act fast to bring to book those behind violence during elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said failure to prosecute the suspects will embolden thugs and politicians who use violence to scare voters and rig elections.
The rights organisation also asked INEC to publish the names of the suspects and the progress made in their prosecution, to show Nigerians that the commission is serious about free and fair elections.
“We are giving INEC seven days to take concrete steps to prosecute electoral violence suspects. If nothing is done, we will head to court to compel the commission to do its job,” the group said.
The organisation said electoral violence has become one of the biggest threats to democracy in Nigeria, as many voters now stay away from polling units for fear of attack.
It added that INEC has the power under the Electoral Act to prosecute offenders, and there is no excuse for the commission to look the other way.
