October 12, (THEWILL) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Professor Joash Amupitan, the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to make the prosecution of politicians and their sponsors implicated in electoral offences a top priority.
The group urged Amupitan to ensure that individuals involved in election-related crimes—such as violence, bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence—since 2015 are brought to justice.
SERAP also tasked the incoming INEC chief to push for amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 that would strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system and guarantee free and fair elections in 2027, in line with constitutional and international standards.
“Any reform of the Electoral Act must include provisions for the prompt prosecution of electoral offences and mechanisms for voters to access justice and remedies for violations of their fundamental rights,” SERAP stated.
President Bola Tinubu last week nominated Professor Amupitan to head the electoral body following the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended weeks before the expiration of his second term. His nomination awaits Senate confirmation.
In a letter dated October 11, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said Amupitan must demonstrate zero tolerance for electoral malpractice under his leadership.
The statement read, “Impunity for past electoral offences remains a major obstacle to credible elections in Nigeria.
“Unless those responsible—particularly high-ranking politicians and their financiers—are effectively prosecuted and voters given access to justice, the cycle of impunity will continue.”
SERAP lamented that elections conducted since 2015 had been marred by widespread offences, including vote-buying, violence, and bribery, which it said had eroded public confidence in INEC.
“There cannot be a fair electoral process if the electoral body fails to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of electoral offenders,” the group said, stressing that the right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy and must be protected.
The organisation warned that failure by the new INEC leadership to act could attract legal action. “Should you and INEC fail to act as recommended, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal steps to compel compliance in the public interest,” the group cautioned.
SERAP further stated that ending impunity would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, ensure respect for the rule of law, and restore citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.
Citing relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution, Electoral Act, and international treaties—including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance—the group reiterated that electoral offences violate the fundamental right to political participation.
It also quoted the African Union’s Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, which urges member states to “take all necessary measures to prevent fraud, rigging, and other illegal practices throughout the electoral process to maintain peace and security.”
SERAP emphasised that Nigerians must have the final say in choosing their leaders, warning that unresolved electoral offences undermine democracy and make other fundamental rights “illusory.”
The group.noted, “The right to vote is the essence of a democratic society.
“Ending impunity for electoral crimes will enhance the integrity of elections and the credibility of INEC under Amupitan’s leadership.”
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