Early Campaigns: ‘Punish Offenders Or Face Legal Action’ – SERAP To INEC

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expose and sanction politicians or parties involved in premature election campaigns, warning that failure to do so could result in legal action.

In a letter dated 13 September 2025, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said INEC cannot claim to be helpless while it watches as political parties, candidates and other politicians contravene the legally prescribed period for election campaigns.

The organization described early election campaigns as unconstitutional and illegal.

Recall that INEC had last week expressed concerns about early election campaigns by political parties.

The Commission also stated that the campaigns have undermined its ability to track campaign finance limits, claiming that there is no sanction for early election campaigns.

SERAP, however, said that INEC’s constitutional and statutory mandates extend to sanctioning or penalising electoral offences, including early election campaigns.

“INEC should not be seen to be encouraging or giving legitimacy to political parties, candidates and other politicians carrying out early election campaigns outside the legally prescribed campaign period.

“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,” parts of the letter read.