SERAP urges Tinubu to probe June 12 annulment, push electoral, human rights reforms

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a presidential panel of enquiry to investigate the unlawful annulment of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.

The organization is also demanding that those found culpable be brought to justice, regardless of political status.

In a letter dated June 14, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group urged the President to demonstrate genuine commitment to democratic ideals by taking concrete action against impunity related to the 1993 election annulment and by initiating meaningful electoral reforms.

SERAP’s appeal follows Tinubu’s Democracy Day address at the National Assembly, where he pledged to uphold the ideals of June 12 — freedom, accountability, social justice, and a just society.

Investigation into June 12 Annulment: SERAP asked the President to set up a presidential panel to probe the annulment and identify those responsible for undermining Nigeria’s democratic transition.

PThe group urged Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to ensure legal proceedings are initiated against anyone found culpable.

SERAP recommended that an executive bill be sent to the National Assembly to make electronic transmission of election results mandatory and allow all voters—not just litigants—to access electoral documents.

Drop Cases Against Peaceful Protesters: The organization called for the immediate discontinuation of all cases involving Nigerians arrested or prosecuted solely for exercising their human rights, including participating in peaceful protests.

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SERAP also requested reforms of laws stifling free expression, including problematic provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, Criminal Code, and Penal Code, often used to target journalists and critics.

According to SERAP, tackling the lingering impunity for the annulment of June 12 is essential to prevent a repeat of past electoral injustices and build public trust in democratic institutions.

“Impunity for the annulment has continued to encourage politicians to undermine elections and deny Nigerians their political rights,” the group stated. “There is no statute of limitations for violations of democratic freedoms.”

SERAP further noted that amending the Electoral Act would boost transparency and strengthen democratic participation, while discontinuing cases against peaceful protesters would reinforce civil liberties.

The group warned that if its recommendations are not implemented within seven days of the letter’s publication, it would explore legal options to compel government compliance.

SERAP acknowledged the President’s public statements emphasizing dialogue over dictatorship and rights over repression. However, it stressed that rhetorical commitments must be backed by decisive action to protect and promote democratic values.

“True adherence to the ideals of June 12 requires more than speeches—it demands institutional reforms, legal accountability, and respect for the fundamental rights of all Nigerians,” the group concluded.