The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to identify and prosecute politicians and political parties violating constitutional provisions by embarking on early election campaigns.
In a statement on Sunday, SERAP stressed that premature campaigns undermine Nigeria’s democratic process, weaken electoral integrity, and breach both domestic and international legal standards. The group asked INEC to hold not only the politicians but also their sponsors accountable.
INEC had last week raised alarm over the trend, warning that political parties were already engaging in campaigns well before the legally prescribed timeline. The Commission lamented that such actions were making it difficult to effectively monitor and enforce campaign finance regulations, noting that current legal gaps provide no clear sanctions for violators.
However, SERAP insisted that INEC is not helpless, urging the Commission to deploy its regulatory powers to deter unlawful campaign activities. According to the group, early campaigns are “blatantly unconstitutional and illegal,” and allowing them to go unchecked could set a dangerous precedent for future elections.
The rights group further maintained that enforcing the law against offenders would strengthen public confidence in the electoral system and demonstrate INEC’s commitment to credible elections.
SERAP has consistently advocated for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s political and electoral processes, warning that unchecked violations erode democratic values and citizens’ trust in governance.
