SERAP to INEC’s early campaigns: “Punish offenders or face legal action”

The Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, has been urged by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, or SERAP, to identify and penalise political parties or politicians who participate in early election campaigns or who may be subject to legal action.

Kolawole Oluwadare, the deputy director of SERAP, stated in a letter dated September 13, 2025, that INEC cannot say it is powerless while it observes political parties, candidates, and other politicians violate the legally mandated election campaign period.

Early election campaigns, according to the group, are unlawful and unconstitutional.

According to the XANDERTECH, INEC voiced worries last week regarding political parties’ early election campaigns.

Additionally, the Commission said that there is no consequence for early election campaigns, saying that the campaigns have made it more difficult for it to monitor campaign finance restrictions.

However, according to SERAP, INEC’s statutory and constitutional responsibilities include the authority to punish or penalise electoral offences, such as early election campaigns.

Political parties, candidates, and other politicians should not be perceived by INEC as endorsing or legitimising early election campaigns that take place outside of the legally mandated campaign time.

Because of the protracted electioneering frenzy, early election campaigns have a negative impact on economic development.

Part of the letter stated, “Early election campaigns are inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act, and the country’s international human rights obligations, as INEC has yet to publish the timetable and schedule of activities for elections.”