Rights group threatens legal action against electoral commission, citing attacks on political rallies, convoys and supporters across several states.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to prosecute persons arrested over reported incidents of electoral and political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections or face legal action.
SERAP made the demand in a letter dated November 14, 2026, and addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.
The organisation urged the commission to obtain case files and investigation materials from the Nigeria Police Force and initiate prosecutions under the Electoral Act 2026 where sufficient evidence exists.
In the letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP also called on INEC to direct its legal officers or appointed lawyers to review the files and ensure that investigations into reported attacks are concluded.
The demand follows several reported incidents of political violence since campaigns began on August 19, including the November 12 attack on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos.
Other incidents cited by SERAP include the reported obstruction of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State on September 8; attacks on political meetings in Enugu on September 12; and an attack on ADC senatorial candidate Herberta Okonofua’s convoy in Edo State on October 6.
The organisation also referenced attacks on supporters of Accord governorship candidate Oriyomi Hamzat in Ibadan on October 14, which reportedly left one person dead, and an attack on NDC candidate Rollins Offia-Nwali’s convoy in Ebonyi State on October 22, allegedly resulting in one death and three injuries.
Other cases included the reported attack on AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and his team in Ado-Ekiti on October 30, an attack on Obi’s convoy in Calabar on November 4, and an NDC procession in Asaba on November 7, which reportedly left one person dead and five injured.
SERAP further said journalist Samuel Adebanjo was assaulted and his equipment seized while covering the November 12 incident in Lagos.
The organisation urged INEC to use its powers under Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 to demand explanations from political parties suspected of encouraging prohibited conduct and impose prescribed fines where parties fail to comply with lawful directives.
It warned that failure to prosecute suspects could encourage further violence, deepen impunity and discourage opposition parties, candidates, journalists and citizens from participating freely in political activities.
“Arrests alone are insufficient to secure accountability or deter further violations. Suspected perpetrators must be investigated and, where the evidence supports prosecution, brought before competent courts,” SERAP said.
The group cited Sections 96, 97 and 120 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibit various forms of political violence, intimidation and disorderly conduct at political meetings. It also referenced Section 148(2), which provides that prosecutions under the Act must be undertaken by INEC legal officers or legal practitioners appointed by the commission.
SERAP said it would take appropriate legal action to compel INEC to fulfil its statutory responsibilities if the commission failed to act within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter.