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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to identify and prosecute politicians and political parties allegedly engaging in premature electioneering.
In a letter dated September 13, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the rights group urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to clamp down on offenders and introduce clear-cut rules that would deter unlawful political campaigns.
SERAP described the trend as “a blatant disregard for the Constitution and the Electoral Act.”
The organisation accused some state governors of mismanaging the recent fuel subsidy savings by channeling funds into political mobilization instead of addressing pressing development needs.
This, according to SERAP, runs contrary to the spirit of transparency expected from leaders benefiting from increased revenue allocations by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
“INEC has both the power and the responsibility to stop this illegality. Turning a blind eye when politicians breach campaign timelines would only weaken Nigeria’s democratic framework,” the group noted in the letter.
Citing Section 94 of the Electoral Act, which stipulates that campaigns must begin 150 days before polling, SERAP reminded the commission of its authority under Section 83 of the Act and Section 225 of the Constitution to regulate political parties.
The group warned that silence or inaction from INEC would amount to tacit approval of lawlessness, thereby encouraging a culture of impunity.
“Failure to enforce the rules will only embolden politicians to continue diverting public funds for personal political gains,” the statement added.
SERAP further argued that prolonged electioneering not only undermines governance but also distorts fair competition by giving incumbents undue advantage.
The group insisted that curbing early campaigns is crucial to protecting Nigeria’s democratic process and restoring public trust.
The organisation also threatened to seek legal redress should INEC fail to act within the stipulated seven days.
“If INEC refuses to enforce the law, we will explore judicial options to compel compliance and accountability,” Mr. Oluwadare said.