The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under pressure to take action against rising cases of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the commission’s chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, seven days to begin prosecuting electoral violence suspects.
SERAP said it had written to Amupitan, asking him to obtain case files and relevant investigation materials from the Nigeria Police Force concerning individuals arrested over reported incidents of electoral and political violence since campaigns for the 2027 elections commenced.
The organisation urged the INEC chairman to ensure that those against whom sufficient evidence of electoral offences exists are promptly prosecuted under the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement shared on its X account, SERAP said the ultimatum followed growing reports of attacks, intimidation, threats and disruptions of political activities across the country.
“BREAKING: We’ve given Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of INEC, seven days to obtain from the Nigeria Police Force the case files and relevant investigation materials concerning persons arrested in connection with reported incidents of electoral and political violence since the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections,” the organisation stated.
It added that the commission should “promptly prosecute those against whom the available evidence establishes offences under the Electoral Act 2026.”
SERAP referenced the reported attack on members and supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on November 12, 2026.
The incident reportedly involved suspected armed men who disrupted the gathering organised for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Reports indicated that the attackers were armed with axes, clubs and machetes and allegedly assaulted supporters and journalists, damaged property and forced the political meeting to end abruptly.
SERAP called on Amupitan to direct INEC’s legal officers or legal practitioners appointed by the commission to review the police investigation files and prosecute those already arrested where the available evidence establishes violations of the Electoral Act.
The organisation also urged INEC to press the police to intensify and conclude investigations into other reported incidents of political violence.
It said the police should identify and arrest other suspected perpetrators and their sponsors before forwarding relevant case files and evidence to the electoral commission for prosecution.
According to SERAP, prosecuting electoral offences is necessary not only to punish individuals responsible for political violence but also to discourage future attacks and prevent such conduct from becoming normalised in Nigeria’s political process.
The organisation maintained that INEC has a statutory responsibility to prosecute electoral offences and ensure that individuals involved are held accountable, irrespective of their political affiliations or positions.
It warned that failure to take decisive action could weaken public confidence in the electoral process and encourage further attacks on political opponents and supporters.
SERAP noted that since campaigns for the 2027 general elections began on August 19, 2026, several incidents involving attacks on political convoys and party secretariats, disruptions of rallies and meetings, and intimidation of political opponents have been reported across the country.
Some of the reported incidents have allegedly resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of property and arrests.
The development comes days after President Bola Tinubu condemned the growing incidents of violence at political gatherings and directed security agencies to deal firmly with individuals involved in political thuggery and other activities capable of disrupting public order.
Tinubu gave the directive on Friday, November 13, while reacting to reports of violence accompanying political activities in different parts of the country.
In a statement, the president urged politicians and their supporters to avoid violence and ensure that political campaigns focused on issues concerning the welfare of Nigerians and national development.
“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that political campaigns should provide opportunities for parties and candidates to present their policies, programmes and ideas to Nigerians rather than engage in activities that threaten lives and public safety.
The president also urged political leaders across party lines to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters, warning against allowing political differences to create hostility among Nigerians.
“As the leader of this country, I commit myself to a peaceful, free, and fair election, and I urge political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly,” he stated.
Tinubu further maintained that Nigerians should not regard one another as enemies because of their political affiliations or ambitions.
“I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies,” he said.
The president added, “As Nigerians, we are members of the same household living in different rooms. Therefore, our politics must elevate human conditions and focus on national progress and development.”
Tinubu also reiterated his directive to security agencies to remain firm against individuals and groups seeking to undermine public order through violence and other unlawful activities.
“I want to reiterate my previous directive to the security agencies: be strict and firm against anyone who seeks to test our resolve and will to preserve public order,” he said.
He assured political parties and candidates that his administration would provide an environment where they could freely conduct their campaigns without intimidation, harassment or threats to their safety.
According to him, all political parties and candidates must be protected and allowed to campaign anywhere in the country without fear of molestation.
“We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters,” Tinubu declared.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” he added.