The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke the recent presidential pardon granted to individuals convicted of corruption, arguing that the decision undermines Nigeria’s Constitution and international anti-corruption obligations.
In a statement released on Friday, the advocacy group described the move as “entirely inconsistent and incompatible” with Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates the Nigerian state to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
SERAP stated that the pardon directly contradicts President Tinubu’s public stance on fighting corruption and promoting good governance. “We urge the Tinubu administration to urgently review and withdraw the pardon recently granted to those serving jail terms or convicted and sentenced for corruption,” the group said, adding that it would “consider appropriate legal action” if the decision is not reversed.
The organisation further warned that the action violates Article 26 and Article 30 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which Nigeria has ratified. These provisions require member states to impose “effective, proportionate, and dissuasive sanctions” for corruption-related offences that reflect the seriousness of the crimes.
SERAP argued that granting clemency to corrupt individuals amounts to “interference in the exercise of judicial power” and undermines the integrity of the judiciary. The group noted that while Section 175 of the Constitution grants the president discretionary powers of mercy, such powers must be exercised “ethically and in good faith.”
“When section 15(5) of the Constitution is read together with the oath of office, it imposes ethical obligations on the president to ensure that the prerogative of mercy is not used to encourage corruption or impunity,” the statement read.
The group also lamented what it described as a pattern of political favouritism in Nigeria’s pardon system, saying influential politicians often benefit from clemency while “ordinary citizens convicted of petty offences languish in prison without consideration.”
SERAP concluded by urging President Tinubu to demonstrate genuine commitment to accountability and the rule of law by rescinding the controversial pardons, warning that “impunity for corruption will continue as long as influential politicians escape justice for their crimes.”
