Politics
‘Prioritise Ending Impunity for Electoral Offences’, SERAP Tells New INEC Chair, Amupitan
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Prof Joash Amupitan, the newly nominated chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “prioritise and ensure the effective prosecution of politicians and their sponsors who are suspected to be responsible for electoral offences, including violence, bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence during the general elections and off-cycle elections since 2015.”
The SERAP urged him to “prioritise the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in 2027, in conformity with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international obligations.”
The SERAP also urged him to “ensure that any reform of the Electoral Act includes provisions for the timely prosecution of electoral offences and access of voters to justice and effective remedies for violations of their fundamental rights.”
President Bola Tinubu had last week nominated Amupitan as the new INEC chair. If confirmed by the Senate, he will replace Mahmood Yakubu, who left the position last week, weeks before the expiration of his second term of five years.
In the letter dated 11 October 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Impunity for past electoral offences is a major barrier to free and fair elections in Nigeria. Mr Amupitan must demonstrate that INEC under his watch would not tolerate electoral offences in the country’s elections.”
The SERAP said, “Unless the legacy of impunity for these grave electoral offences is combated and perpetrators, especially high-ranking politicians and their sponsors are effectively prosecuted and voters provided with access to justice, those contemplating electoral crimes will feel unconstrained in future elections.”
According to SERAP, “the general elections and off-cycle elections conducted since 2015 have been characterised by grave electoral offences, including violence, bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence, making a mockery of INEC.”
The letter, read in part: “High-ranking politicians and their sponsors are rarely brought to justice for electoral offences, reinforcing a culture of impunity for violations of Nigerians’ democratic rights.”
“There cannot be a fair electoral process if the body managing the electoral process fails to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of electoral offences and access of voters to justice and effective remedies.”
“No right is more precious in a democratic society than that of having a voice in the election of those who govern the citizens, and other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if unresolved electoral offences are not thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, and voters are not provided with access to justice.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken upon your confirmation by the Senate and your assumption of office. Should you and INEC fail to act as recommended, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The persistent failure by INEC leadership to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of electoral offences makes a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy and undermines public trust in the electoral body.”
“The 2027 general elections and the off-cycle elections are crucial for the promotion and protection of the human rights of Nigerians.”
“Ensuring accountability and ending the impunity of perpetrators of electoral offences would enhance Nigerians’ rights to participate in their own government including to vote in free and fair elections, as well as ensure respect for the rule of law.”
“The effective prosecution of electoral offences and access of voters to justice and effective remedies would serve a legitimate aim, namely, the proper functioning and maintenance of the democratic and electoral processes.”
“It would also enhance the integrity of the electoral process and public trust and confidence in the ability of INEC under your leadership to impartially and independently carry out your responsibilities.”
“The crisis confronting the country’s elections and lack of public trust and confidence in the electoral process can be addressed if impunity for electoral offences is combated through a transparent, credible and effective investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.”
“Electoral offences are clearly contrary to the express provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international standards.”
“Persistent cases of electoral offences in the country’s elections gravely violate Nigerians’ right to vote, which is central to the effective participation of every citizen.”
“The Nigerian Constitution provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”
“Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act prohibit electoral bribery and undue influence before, during and after any election. Section 145(2) provides that, ‘a prosecution under this Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it.’”
“Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance guarantee the right to political participation, including the right to vote.”
ALSO READ: Tinubu Grants Presidential Pardons To Macaulay, Vatsa, Farouk Lawan, Others
“These human rights treaties to which the country is a state party contain broad provisions on the right of Nigerians to democratic elections.”
“The right to vote is fundamental and is the essence of a democratic society, and any restrictions on that right strike at the heart of representative government. Nigerians should have the final say in the election of governmental officials.”
“According to the African Union’s (AU) Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, AU member states including Nigeria must ‘take all necessary measures and precautions to prevent the perpetration of fraud, rigging or any other illegal practices throughout the whole electoral process, in order to maintain peace and security.’”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as YAYI, has donated a 30-seater bus to the Remo Traditional Council.
Adeola disclosed the donation on Friday during a visit to the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, and the entire Remo Traditional Council.
SEE MORE: 2027: Wike’s 419ners, Lazy Remarks Against APC Gov in Bad Taste — Aliyu
The donation, according to the APC candidate, was made in further support of the traditional institution and to facilitate the official engagements and responsibilities of members of the council.
Adeola visited the traditional council alongside Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; his running mate, Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun; and other APC leaders.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for presenting him and his running mate to the royal fathers as his successors, while commending the governor for laying what he described as a solid foundation for Ogun State’s continued growth.
The APC candidate said he was committed to consolidating the achievements of the Abiodun administration if elected, promising to govern the state with fairness, equity and integrity.
Adeola also pledged that no community would be neglected under his proposed administration.
He thanked the Akarigbo and other traditional rulers for their warm reception, encouraging remarks and special royal prayers for him and his running mate.
The visit comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election continue.
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has said the 2027 presidential contest should be dominated by Southern candidates, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year tenure before power returns to the North in 2031.
Sani made the declaration on Thursday in a post on X, as debate over zoning and the rotation of presidential power continues ahead of the 2027 general election.
SEE MORE: 2027: Wike’s 419ners, Lazy Remarks Against APC Gov in Bad Taste — Aliyu
He listed President Bola Tinubu, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Social Democratic Party candidate Adewole Adebayo and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke among the Southern politicians who should contest the 2027 presidential election.
“The 2027 political contest should be between Tinubu, Peter Obi, Sowore, Makinde, Adebayo, Duke and other Southern Candidates,” Sani said.
“The South should complete its eight years. Its not constitutional but it’s equitable.
“We should not bury our heads in the sand and deny the realities and complexities of our history.”
Sani further argued that the North should have what he described as an “unchallengeable right” to the presidency in 2031 if the South completes its eight years.
“The North should have an unchallengeable right in 2031,” he stated.
He also warned politicians opposed to respecting power rotation in 2027 that the principle could similarly be disregarded when the presidency is expected to return to the North.
“Those who say there shouldn’t be respect for the principle of Rotation of power in 2027, should know that it WILL NOT be respected in 2031,” Sani added.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Farouk Aliyu, has described the language used by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, against some APC governors as being in “bad taste.”
Aliyu was reacting to Wike’s description of some governors as “419ners” and “lazy” amid the political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, the APC chieftain said members of the ruling party rejected Wike’s remarks.
SEE ALSO: 2027: PDP Drops Fresh Revelation on Wike’s Support for Tinubu
“The language Nyesom Wike used to describe governors as ‘419ners’ or ‘lazy’ is in bad taste. All members of the APC reject that comment,” Aliyu said.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has remained active in the political developments ahead of the 2027 elections despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
He was one of the five PDP governors who formed the G5 during the 2023 election period and openly supported President Bola Tinubu, the APC candidate, during the presidential election.
Following Tinubu’s emergence as president, Wike was appointed Minister of the FCT, a position he has held under the APC-led Federal Government while remaining a PDP member.
His political position ahead of 2027 has continued to attract attention, particularly over his support for Tinubu and his reported efforts to build a broader political coalition.
Wike has previously criticised APC governors who opposed his political moves, questioning their commitment to delivering electoral support for Tinubu.
However, Aliyu said the APC was willing to accommodate politicians from other parties who wanted to support the ruling party.
“However, as a party, the APC welcomes anyone, including Wike and others from different parties, who is willing to support the APC,” he said.
According to him, the party’s concern was to maintain a coordinated campaign structure ahead of the elections.
“But we want a unified campaign structure at the national level and across the states,” Aliyu added.
JUST IN: Atiku Set to Address World Press Conference in Abuja
‘No One Will Be Shielded’ — FG Vows Justice Over Death of 37 Miners
37 Miners’ Deaths: Interior Minister Arrives Minna, Set to Inspect Detention Centre
Atiku Demands Justice, Transparency Over Deaths of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody
Ogun 2027: APC’s YAYI Donates 30-Seater Bus to Remo Council
Nigeria Joins Global INTERPOL Operation as AI Identifies 126 Foreign Terrorist Fighters
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
https://shorturl.fm/yFQlG
https://shorturl.fm/u8R8U
0nmsc5
Very wonderful info can be found on blog. “I believe in nothing, everything is sacred. I believe in everything, nothing is sacred.” by Tom Robbins.
Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
There is clearly a bundle to identify about this. I feel you made some nice points in features also.
I must convey my gratitude for your kind-heartedness in support of folks who must have assistance with that content. Your personal dedication to getting the solution all through appeared to be exceptionally important and has constantly encouraged associates much like me to realize their goals. Your valuable report indicates so much to me and additionally to my office workers. Many thanks; from all of us.
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
The very root of your writing whilst appearing reasonable initially, did not work properly with me after some time. Someplace throughout the paragraphs you actually managed to make me a believer but just for a short while. I however have a problem with your leaps in logic and one would do well to help fill in those gaps. In the event that you can accomplish that, I would undoubtedly end up being fascinated.
Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
My husband and i felt now happy that Emmanuel managed to carry out his research by way of the ideas he grabbed in your web pages. It’s not at all simplistic to simply choose to be handing out secrets and techniques which usually people could have been making money from. So we already know we need you to appreciate because of that. The main illustrations you made, the straightforward site navigation, the friendships you will help instill – it’s mostly superb, and it’s making our son and us reckon that this concept is enjoyable, and that’s really fundamental. Thanks for everything!
Woh I enjoy your blog posts, saved to favorites! .
you’re truly a just right webmaster. The site loading pace is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a magnificent activity on this subject!
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i¦m happy to show that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I such a lot certainly will make sure to do not forget this website and provides it a glance on a continuing basis.
Some really nice stuff on this site, I love it.