The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu, demanding concrete actions to address lingering injustices surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election annulment.
In a statement released on Saturday and signed by SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization called on President Tinubu to establish a presidential panel of inquiry to investigate the annulment and identify those responsible for what it described as "deliberate violations of Nigerians' democratic freedoms."
"Your Democracy Day speech conveyed a commitment to freedom, transparent and accountable governance, and social justice," SERAP stated. "However, such commitments will ring hollow unless your government takes concrete action to end impunity for past violations, enforce electoral reforms, and guarantee democratic freedoms."
Key Demands from SERAP
The organization urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to prosecute individuals found responsible for the June 12 annulment, regardless of their political standing.
Additionally, SERAP called for an executive bill to amend the Electoral Act 2022, making electronic transmission of election results mandatory and ensuring all voters have access to election documents. This measure, according to the group, would enhance electoral transparency, prevent manipulation, and restore public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process.
"Amending the Electoral Act to mandate electronic transmission of results and ensuring open access to electoral documents are essential to delivering credible elections," the group emphasized. "It will also allow voters to verify the integrity of electoral outcomes."
Call to End Repression of Democratic Freedoms
SERAP demanded the immediate cessation of all prosecutions and dropping of charges against Nigerians detained or facing trial for exercising their rights to peaceful protest and free expression.
The organization also called for a review of laws undermining freedom of expression, including the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation provisions in the Criminal and Penal Codes, which it claims are being used to silence journalists, critics, and dissenters.
SERAP expressed concern over the increasing use of strategic lawsuits against public participation, noting that these legal tactics, often supported by politicians and security agencies, are being employed to harass and intimidate citizens who peacefully express their views.
"Your administration's obligation under the Constitution, your oath of office, and Nigeria's international human rights commitments requires you to dismantle structures of repression and safeguard democratic freedoms," the statement read.
While acknowledging President Tinubu's recent pledges to deepen democracy and expand civic space, SERAP insisted that only concrete reforms, not speeches, can truly honor the legacy of June 12 and advance Nigeria toward becoming a just and free society.
The group warned that failure to implement its recommendations within seven days would result in legal action to compel compliance in the public interest.
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