The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to take decisive action against political parties and politicians who are violating electoral laws. Specifically, SERAP is urging INEC to address the issue of premature election campaigns, which have begun long before the legally permitted period.
According to SERAP, politicians and political parties started campaigning almost immediately after the 2023 general elections, despite the law stating that campaigns for the 2027 elections can only begin 150 days prior.
This early campaigning is a clear violation of constitutional and statutory provisions, as well as international standards for free and fair elections. SERAP argues that this practice creates an unfair advantage for certain candidates and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
SERAP’s appeal also warns that if INEC fails to take action, it would be seen as encouraging or legitimizing these illegal activities. The organization is urging the commission to monitor the political parties closely, develop clear regulations to govern their conduct, and impose sanctions on those who fail to comply. SERAP has even threatened legal action if INEC continues to fail in its duty to prevent these early campaigns and punish the perpetrators.
This call to action is based on the belief that premature campaigning not only violates electoral law but also infringes upon fundamental human rights. SERAP states that it can lead to the diversion of public resources and disrupt public services, which ultimately harms citizens and undermines sustainable development. By enforcing the law, INEC would be upholding principles of human dignity, equality, and freedom, and ensuring that the country’s democratic process is transparent and impartial.