The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the newly nominated chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to make the prosecution of politicians and their sponsors suspected of electoral offences a top priority. In a letter dated 11 October, SERAP stressed that effective prosecution is essential for free and fair elections in Nigeria. The organization noted that impunity for past electoral offences has been a major obstacle to democratic elections, with violence, bribery, vote‑buying, conspiracy and undue influence tarnishing every election since 2015.
SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare warned that unless perpetrators—especially high‑ranking politicians and their sponsors—are held accountable, prospective offenders will feel unconstrained in future polls. The group lamented the scarcity of prosecutions against senior politicians and their backers, arguing that this reinforces a culture of impunity for violations of Nigerians’ democratic rights. According to SERAP, a fair electoral process cannot be achieved if the body overseeing elections fails to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of electoral offences.
The organization urged Professor Amupitan to prioritize amending the Electoral Act 2022 to guarantee free and fair elections in 2027, in line with the Nigerian Constitution and international obligations. SERAP also called for the inclusion of provisions in the Act that would ensure timely prosecution of electoral offences, as well as access to justice and effective remedies for voters.
Professor Amupitan’s nomination follows President Bola Tinubu’s recommendation and awaits Senate confirmation. He is set to succeed Mahmood Yakubu, who recently vacated the position. As the new INEC chairman, Professor Amupitan’s priorities will be closely watched, particularly regarding the legacy of impunity for electoral offences and the overall integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
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