SERAP Urges INEC to Crack Down on Politicians Engaging in Early Campaigns

BY Victoria otonyemeba
September 14, 2025
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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to identify and prosecute politicians and political parties engaging in early election campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a letter dated September 13, 2025, SERAP warned that it will take legal action if INEC fails to act within seven days.

SERAP described early campaigns as unconstitutional, illegal, and detrimental to Nigeria’s economic development and governance.

The group’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that INEC has the constitutional and statutory authority to penalize electoral offenses, including early electioneering.

According to SERAP, early election campaigns have adverse effects on economic development due to prolonged electioneering frenzy.

The group noted that several state governors seem to be using fuel subsidy windfall for early election campaigns while failing to invest in social and economic development and provide essential services to residents.

SERAP urged INEC to closely monitor political parties, develop clear regulations to govern campaign conduct, and impose sanctions under Section 83(4) and Section 225 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The group also called for investigations into the sources of funding for early campaigns, warning that failure to act would foster a culture of impunity and violate Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

INEC had previously expressed concerns about early campaigns, noting that they hinder its ability to track campaign finance limits. However, the commission claimed it lacks the authority to impose sanctions, a stance SERAP strongly disputes.

SERAP emphasized that enforcing the 150-day campaign window is critical to upholding human dignity, equality, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The group stressed that INEC has broad constitutional and legal obligations to promote, protect, uphold the rule of law, and defend the public interest.