…accuses governors of using subsidy windfall for politics
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sanction politicians and political parties flouting the constitutional ban on early election campaigns, warning that failure to act will trigger legal action.
In a letter dated 13 September 2025 and signed by Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP Deputy Director, the group said: “INEC is not helpless when political parties, candidates and other politicians contravene the legally prescribed period for election campaigns. Early election campaigns are unconstitutional and illegal.”
SERAP accused politicians of diverting attention and resources from governance.
The letter reads in part: “Early election campaigns have adverse effects on economic development due to prolonged electioneering frenzy. Several state governors seem to be using fuel subsidy windfall for early election campaigns.”
“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.”
“INEC 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. The period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”
The group reteirated the electoral umpire that it had both statutory and constitutional powers to penalise offenders, warned that ignoring the violations would breed impunity.
The rights body therefore gave INEC seven days to act.
