End Impunity for June 12, Make E-Transfer of Election Results Mandatory, SERAP Tells Tinubu

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive steps towards justice and electoral reform by addressing the unlawful annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections and mandating electronic transmission of future election results.

In a letter dated June 14, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization called on the President to:

1. Set up a presidential panel of enquiry to investigate the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 elections.

2. Direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to bring those responsible to justice—regardless of political affiliation or status.

3. Draft and submit an executive bill to the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act 2022, making the electronic transmission of election results mandatory and ensuring voter access to election documents.

4. Discontinue cases against Nigerians arrested or detained for peacefully exercising their rights, including participating in protests.

5. Amend anti-expression laws such as those in the Cybercrimes Act, the Criminal Code, and the Penal Code to protect freedom of expression.

A Call to Action Rooted in Democracy Day Promises

SERAP referenced the President’s Democracy Day speech, in which he pledged to rededicate himself to the ideals of June 12: freedom, accountability, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society.

However, SERAP noted:

“These expressed commitments won’t be enough unless your government demonstrates the political will to combat impunity for the annulment of the June 12 elections and advance Nigerians’ democratic freedoms.”

The group emphasized that impunity for past electoral injustices continues to undermine the democratic process. According to SERAP:

“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 obedience to the rule of law.”

Mandatory E-Transmission and Voter Transparency

SERAP urged that amending the Electoral Act to make electronic transmission of results mandatory would:

• Guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections.

• Improve public trust in the electoral process.

• Allow every voter—not just election petitioners—access to election documents, in line with Section 39 of the Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act.

A Warning and a Deadline

SERAP stated that it expects action within seven days of the letter’s receipt or publication. Failure to do so, the organization said, would result in appropriate legal action to compel compliance.

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with your expressed commitment on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the Nigerian Constitution [1999 as amended], and the country’s international human rights obligations,” the group concluded.

Freedom of Expression Under Threat

SERAP also raised alarm over the continued use of:

• Criminal defamation and injurious falsehood laws in the Criminal and Penal Codes.

• Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) used to intimidate journalists and activists.

“We are concerned about the chilling effect of these laws and practices on civic space, free speech, and democratic engagement,” SERAP said.

The group called on the President to lead the charge in ending these abuses and to fully align his administration with democratic norms and constitutional values.