SERAP Seeks Presidential Probe Of June 12 Annulment, Amendment Of Electoral Act

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a presidential panel to investigate the annulment of the June 12, 1993, elections and identify those responsible for the deliberate violations of Nigerians’ democratic rights.

SERAP also urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to bring to justice anyone involved in the unlawful annulment of the June 12 elections, regardless of their political status or affiliation.

The civil society organisation asked the Minister of Justice to urgently draft and send an executive bill to the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act of 2022 to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory and ensure that every voter can access election documents.

SERAP, which made the demands in an open letter dated June 14, 2025, signed by its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, also wants Fagbemi to immediately discontinue all cases against Nigerians who have been arrested, detained, or are facing unfair prosecutions solely for peacefully exercising their human rights, including participation in peaceful protests.

The organisation also stated in the letter that no one is above the law, and there is no statute of limitations for violations of democratic freedoms.

It also maintained that the ideals of June 12 cannot be achieved, and real democracy cannot flourish in Nigeria, without electoral accountability, democratic and human rights reforms, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

SERAP also insisted that amending the Electoral Act to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory and to allow every voter access to the results would ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, thereby improving public confidence in the electoral process.

The organisation further stated that impunity for the annulment of the June 12 elections has encouraged politicians to undermine the country’s elections and deny Nigerians their right to political participation and other human rights.”

SERAP said that if the government addresses the impunity related to the June 12 elections and ensures electoral and human rights reforms, it would enhance Nigeria’s electoral process and uphold citizens’ rights to participate in their government through free, fair, and transparent elections.

It also stated that directing Fagbemi to immediately discontinue cases against Nigerians who are facing prosecution solely for their peaceful exercise of human rights would strengthen democratic freedoms and improve respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Moreover, SERAP urged the Attorney General to draft and send an executive bill to the National Assembly amending all anti-freedom of expression laws, including the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation and injurious falsehood provisions in the Criminal and Penal Code.

It stressed that if it does not receive a response within seven days to its demands, it plans to consider appropriate legal actions to compel the government to comply with its requests in the public interest.

The organisation emphasised that its requests are in the public interest and aligned with the President’s commitments made on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution (1999) as amended, and the country’s international human rights obligations.

Additionally, SERAP noted that Section 74(1) of the Electoral Act only grants access to election documents to “parties to an election petition.” SERAP believes this provision should be amended to allow every voter access to election documents, promoting free, fair, and transparent elections.

It claimed that the right to access election documents should be upheld under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act.

SERAP welcomed the president’s commitments expressed in his Democracy Day speech—specifically his dedication to the ideals of June 12, including freedom, transparent and accountable governance, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society free from oppression.