The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a seven-day ultimatum to sanction politicians and political parties already engaging in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a letter dated September 13, 2025, and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the rights group warned INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, that it would institute legal action if the commission continues to “condone impunity.”
SERAP accused some state governors and politicians of brazenly violating the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and international democratic standards by diverting public funds into premature campaigns while neglecting governance.
Quoting Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, the group stressed that campaigns are legally restricted to 150 days before polling and must end 24 hours before voting. It said anything outside this timeframe was “unconstitutional, illegal, and unfair.”
“INEC is not helpless when politicians break the law. Early election campaigns are unlawful. By refusing to act, the commission is indirectly legitimising illegality,” the organisation said.
INEC had recently admitted that political parties have started campaigns prematurely but argued that there were no penalties for such violations.
But SERAP countered, insisting that INEC has both constitutional and statutory powers to sanction offenders.
The group further alleged that several state governors were squandering revenues from the fuel subsidy removal on campaign billboards and rallies instead of addressing poverty, poor infrastructure, and unpaid workers’ salaries.
According to figures from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), N28.78 trillion was shared in 2024—79 percent higher than the N16.28 trillion distributed in 2023.
Yet, SERAP noted that Nigeria still ranks 130th out of 141 countries in infrastructure quality, while over 129 million citizens remain in extreme poverty.
“Despite the new minimum wage of N70,000, many states have failed to pay workers, preferring instead to fund political activities,” SERAP lamented.
The organisation warned that early campaigns not only divert scarce resources but also give undue advantage to incumbents, erode fairness, and violate citizens’ rights to free and fair elections.
“Politicians, including governors, have abandoned their oath of office. They are prioritising campaigns over governance, while the poor and marginalised suffer neglect,” it added.
SERAP urged INEC to immediately order the withdrawal of illegal campaign materials, sanction violators, and protect electoral integrity.
“If the commission fails to take action within seven days, we shall take all appropriate legal steps to compel INEC to comply with the Constitution, Electoral Act, and Nigeria’s international obligations,” the group warned.
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