SERAP calls for collaborative investigation into electoral bribery and unrest

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to conduct a joint investigation into allegations of vote buying, inducement, violence, and other electoral offences that occurred during the election.

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This demand was made in a petition dated August 15, 2026, which was signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, the Deputy Director of SERAP, and addressed to the chairmen of INEC, EFCC, and ICPC.

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According to preliminary reports from the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub, a total of 323 electoral offences and irregularities were recorded across 726 polling units observed as of noon on election day.

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These reported infractions included 103 cases of vote trading, 28 cases of inducement of polling and security officials, 31 cases of voter obstruction, 38 cases of campaigning at polling units, 14 cases of voter impersonation, 12 cases of multiple voting, seven cases of election-official misconduct, and 85 cases involving exposure of ballot papers.

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The observers also recorded 38 security incidents, which included alleged thuggery, attacks on electoral officials, and voter intimidation.

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SERAP has urged the agencies to invite regional and international bodies, including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms, to provide independent scrutiny of the election.

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The organisation has called for the agencies to trace the sources and movement of funds allegedly used for vote buying and other unlawful electoral activities, and to identify individuals or organisations that provided, authorised, distributed, or facilitated the funds.

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SERAP has also requested the preservation and examination of banking and mobile-money records, telecommunications data, CCTV footage, polling-unit records, and other documentary and digital evidence.

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The legitimacy and credibility of the Osun State election result ultimately depend on whether voters were genuinely able to freely exercise their right to participation and political choice, according to SERAP.

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SERAP has stated that where voters are allegedly induced with money or other benefits, threatened with violence, intimidated, obstructed, or otherwise coerced, serious questions arise as to whether the Osun election reflected the free and genuine will of the electorate.

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A joint investigation by the three agencies would ensure a coordinated examination of the electoral, financial, and criminal dimensions of the reported offences, SERAP said.

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The organisation has urged the agencies to investigate, arrest, and, where appropriate, prosecute persons reasonably suspected of electoral or other criminal offences, including those who financed or facilitated the alleged conduct.

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SERAP has noted that the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room also reported cases of alleged vote buying and other inducements, including the distribution of jollof rice and drinks at a polling unit in Isokan Local Government Area.

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The Situation Room also reported the harassment of an election observer and alleged disruption by thugs, according to SERAP.

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The allegations raise concerns under the Electoral Act 2026 and the 1999 Constitution, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties, SERAP said.

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SERAP has cited Sections 125, 131, and 132 of the Electoral Act, which criminalise bribery, undue influence, and the use or threat of violence to influence voting.

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The organisation has also urged the agencies to examine compliance with Sections 91 to 94 of the Electoral Act concerning campaign contributions, expenditure, and sources of funds.

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According to SERAP, Section 138(1) permits an election to be questioned where it was invalid by reason of corrupt practices or non-compliance with the provisions of the Act, while Section 139 addresses non-compliance that may substantially affect an election result.

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SERAP has urged INEC, EFCC, and ICPC to publish the findings of their investigations and take lawful measures where credible evidence shows that corruption, inducement, coercion, or violence materially affected voters or the election outcome.

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The three agencies should make their findings public and ensure that relevant evidence is available, where lawful and appropriate, to competent electoral tribunals and other accountability mechanisms, the organisation said.