THE Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is seeking legal sanctions from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political parties engaging in campaigns before the legally approved period.
In a letter dated September 13 and addressed to INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, SERAP warned it would take legal action if the commission fails to act within seven days.
In a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, September 14, the group described early campaigns as unconstitutional, unlawful, and harmful to Nigeria’s governance and economic development.
INEC had earlier raised concerns that premature campaigns make it difficult to monitor compliance with campaign finance limits.
The commission, however, maintained that it does not have the power to impose sanctions — a position SERAP strongly disagreed with.
The group urged Yakubu to identify politicians and parties openly flouting constitutional and legal provisions, as well as international standards prohibiting early campaigns, which ensures both the perpetrators and their sponsors are prosecuted.
“Closely monitor political parties breaching the constitutional and statutory provisions and international standards which prohibit early election campaigns, and to develop clear regulations to govern the conduct of parties and politicians regarding premature election campaigns in Nigeria,” Oluwadare stated.
He stressed that INEC has both constitutional and statutory powers to punish electoral offences, including premature campaigning, which contravenes Section 94(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.
“Early election campaigns have adverse effects on economic development due to prolonged electioneering frenzy.
“As INEC is yet to publish the timetable and schedule of activities for elections, early election campaigns are inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], Electoral Act and the country’s international human rights obligations,” Oluwadare added.
The letter further disclosed that several state governors seem to be using the fuel subsidy windfall for early election campaigns, noting that “several state governors are grossly failing to invest in social and economic development and provide essential services to their residents despite a significant increase in revenue since the removal of fuel subsidies.”
SERAP argued that early campaigning is unacceptable, especially with over 129 million Nigerians living in extreme poverty and many states yet to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage. The group urged INEC to monitor political parties more closely, create clear rules to guide campaign activities, and impose sanctions as provided in Sections 83(4) and 225 of the Constitution.
It stressed that enforcing the 150-day campaign window was vital to upholding human dignity, equality, and the rule of law, warning that INEC’s failure to act would encourage impunity, violate constitutional and international obligations, and amount to condoning illegal practices.
SERAP further noted that Sections 94(1) and 94(2) of the Constitution clearly restrict campaign periods and empower INEC to regulate and sanction violators, adding that if the commission failed to take action within seven days, it would be compelled to seek legal redress.
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org