By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued an ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding that it take immediate action against politicians and political parties engaging in early election campaigns or face legal consequences.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP warned: “Early election campaigns are unconstitutional and illegal. INEC is not helpless when political parties and politicians breach the law.”
The organisation accused some governors and political actors of diverting public resources, including recent fuel subsidy windfalls, into premature campaigns.
“Several state governors are prioritising campaign banners over schools, hospitals, and social services,” SERAP noted, insisting that such conduct violates both the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.
INEC had earlier expressed concern that these early campaigns undermine its ability to track campaign financing.
However, it also claimed there are currently no sanctions in place. SERAP flatly rejected that position, urging the commission to use its constitutional powers to regulate political parties, impose penalties, and demand explanations on the sources of campaign funding.
According to SERAP, early campaigns are not just a political nuisance but a national crisis.
“They erode transparency, fairness, and good governance. They prolong election fever, divert scarce resources, and compromise the rights of ordinary Nigerians who already face grinding poverty,” the letter stated.
The rights group gave INEC seven days to act or risk being dragged to court.
“Failure to sanction violators would create a culture of impunity. We will not hesitate to pursue appropriate legal actions to compel compliance,” Oluwadare declared.
Nigeria’s Constitution stipulates that campaigns can only begin 150 days before polling.
SERAP insists anything outside this window is a direct assault on the rule of law and the principles of free and fair elections.
Source; PM News
