The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has criticised political parties and candidates over what it described as premature electioneering and asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to impose sanctions on those involved.
SERAP, in a letter dated 13 September 2025 and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu to identify politicians and parties “blatantly violating constitutional and statutory legal provisions and international standards which prohibit early election campaigns and to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators and their sponsors.”
The organisation noted that despite INEC’s recent expression of concern that some parties had commenced campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, the commission has so far failed to apply any form of sanction.
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According to SERAP, “INEC is not helpless when political parties, candidates and other politicians contravene the legally prescribed period for election campaigns. Early election campaigns are unconstitutional and illegal.”
The group maintained that INEC has both constitutional and statutory authority to penalise electoral offences, stressing that tolerating premature campaigns would only embolden violators.
The letter read in part: “Early election campaigns have adverse effects on economic development due to prolonged electioneering frenzy.”
“As INEC is yet to publish the timetable and schedule of activities for elections, early election campaigns are inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], Electoral Act and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
SERAP also accused some state governors of diverting public resources meant for development into political activities.
“Several state governors seem to be using fuel subsidy windfall for early election campaigns. Several state governors are grossly failing to invest in social and economic development and provide essential services to their residents despite a significant increase in revenue since the removal of fuel subsidies,” the group alleged.
It argued that enforcing the prohibition against early campaigns would promote the rule of law and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
“Any failure by INEC to fairly enforce constitutional and statutory prohibitions of early election campaigns and the country’s international human rights obligations would create a culture of impunity of perpetrators and their sponsors.”
The organisation warned that it would take legal steps if INEC failed to act within seven days.
“We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.”
SERAP reminded the electoral umpire of the provisions of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, which stipulates that campaigns should commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before the election. It further referenced constitutional provisions that empower INEC to regulate political campaigns.
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“Several political parties, candidates and other politicians are promoting themselves and canvassing for votes before the 150 days prescribed by the Electoral Act. Political parties, candidates and other politicians cannot elevate themselves above the law,” SERAP said.
