Early Campaigns: SERAP Threatens Legal Action Against INEC over Inaction

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate action against politicians and political parties engaging in early election campaigns or face legal action.

In a letter dated September 13, 2025, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, faulted the Commission for what it described as indifference toward violations of the legally prescribed campaign timetable.

Oluwadare said INEC cannot continue to “watch helplessly” while politicians openly breach electoral laws, stressing that early campaigns are both unconstitutional and illegal.

“INEC should not be seen to be encouraging or giving legitimacy to political parties, candidates and other politicians carrying out early election campaigns outside the legally prescribed campaign period,” SERAP stated.

The organisation added that prolonged electioneering activities undermine economic development, warning that early campaigns violate the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

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It also reminded INEC of its constitutional duty to sanction electoral offenders, noting that its mandate covers penalising all forms of electoral offences, including premature campaigns.

INEC had, last week, expressed concern over early campaigns, lamenting that the practice makes it difficult to monitor campaign spending. The Commission also admitted there is currently no sanction specifically targeting such violations.

SERAP, however, maintained that INEC must move beyond lamentations and act within its powers to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Rafiyat SADIQ

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Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.

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