LAGOS, June 15, 2025 — The Socio-Economic Rights and
Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to
immediately establish a presidential panel of enquiry to probe the unlawful
annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election and bring to
justice those responsible.
The organization made the demand in a letter dated
June 14, 2025, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare. SERAP also
urged the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and
Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to prosecute individuals linked
to the annulment, regardless of their political affiliations or status.
In the letter, SERAP stressed that “no one is above
the law,” adding that the ideals of June 12 cannot be realized without
accountability for past democratic violations and comprehensive electoral
reforms.
The call comes days after President Tinubu reaffirmed
his commitment to the spirit of June 12 during a speech at the National
Assembly, promising to uphold freedom, social justice, citizen participation,
and a transparent government.
“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,”
SERAP said.
The group further called on the President to:
Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make electronic
transmission of results mandatory and to allow all voters—not just litigants—to
access election documents.
Discontinue criminal prosecutions of citizens,
including protesters, journalists, and critics, arrested solely for peacefully
exercising their rights.
Repeal or amend anti-expression laws, including
certain provisions in the Cybercrimes Act, the Criminal Code, and the Penal
Code, which are often used to target dissenters.
SERAP warned that impunity for the annulment of the
1993 election has emboldened political actors to undermine Nigeria’s electoral
integrity.
“Addressing impunity for the unlawful annulment of the
June 12 elections and ensuring electoral and human rights reforms would improve
Nigeria’s electoral process and citizens’ right to participate in their own
government in free, fair, and transparent elections,” the letter stated.
The group also expressed concern over the continued
use of criminal defamation laws and what it termed “strategic lawsuits against
public participation (SLAPPs)” to harass journalists, civil society actors, and
dissenting voices.
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s Democracy Day
remarks, including his call for greater tolerance in legislation relating to
civil liberties, SERAP emphasized that action must match rhetoric.
The organization concluded by giving the government a
seven-day ultimatum to respond positively, warning that it may take legal
action should the government fail to meet its demands.
“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and
in keeping with your expressed commitment on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the
requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), and the country’s
international human rights obligations,” SERAP stated.
The June 12, 1993 election, widely considered the
freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was annulled by the military regime of
General Ibrahim Babangida. The presumed winner, the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola,
was never officially declared President.
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