By Abiola Olawale
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Professor Joash Amupitan, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to launch swift prosecutions against politicians and their sponsors implicated in grave electoral offenses.
SERAP’s letter, dated October 11, 2025, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that “impunity for past electoral offences is a major barrier to free and fair elections in Nigeria.”
The organization highlighted offenses, including violence, bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence, that plagued general and off-cycle elections since 2015.
SERAP also appealed to Amupitan to push for amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 to guarantee free and fair elections in 2027, in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s international obligations.
SERAP stated: “Unless the legacy of impunity for these grave electoral offences is combated and perpetrators, especially high-ranking politicians and their sponsors are effectively prosecuted and voters provided with access to justice, those contemplating electoral crimes will feel unconstrained in future elections.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken upon your confirmation by the Senate and your assumption of office. Should you and INEC fail to act as recommended, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.”
SERAP criticised the past leadership of INEC for failing to effectively investigate and prosecute electoral offences, saying this has undermined public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and eroded participatory democracy.
The organisation emphasised that the 2027 general and off-cycle elections are crucial for protecting Nigerians’ human rights and strengthening democratic governance.
