Osun poll: No election should be conducted in fear, SERAP seeks voter protection

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has warned that no election should be conducted in fear.

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The body also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to urgently act on reported cases of political violence, threats and intimidation ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.

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In a statement obtained from its website on Wednesday, SERAP called on INEC to identify, document and publicly report incidents of political violence while taking preventive measures to protect voters, candidates and other election stakeholders.

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The organisation also urged the commission to refer credible allegations of electoral violence and related offences to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies for thorough, impartial and transparent investigation and prosecution.

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SERAP said victims of political violence and their families must have access to justice and effective remedies.

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According to the organisation, 56 politically related violent incidents and 14 fatalities have been recorded in Osun State over the past 12 months, with 36 incidents reported in May and June alone.

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The reported incidents include shootings, killings, physical attacks, intimidation, destruction of property and harassment.

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SERAP urged INEC to preserve credible evidence of serious, widespread or systematic political violence and, where such conduct could amount to crimes within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, bring the evidence to the attention of appropriate national and international accountability mechanisms.

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The organisation also called on the commission to strengthen threat assessment, monitoring and coordination with security agencies.

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“No election should be conducted in an atmosphere of fear. Nigerians have the right to vote for the candidates of their choice, SERAP said.

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The organisation further urged INEC to ensure that security arrangements protect all voters, candidates, journalists, election observers and civil society organisations without political discrimination.

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SERAP said every voter in Osun State should be able to participate freely and safely without fear, intimidation or coercion.

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The organisation also cited Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits threats of force or violence during political campaigns.

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It stressed that the constitutional rights to political participation, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and equality must be protected throughout the electoral process.

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“INEC must act now to protect the integrity of the Osun governorship election,” SERAP said.

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The organisation urged INEC, security agencies and other relevant authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further violence and ensure that the August 15 election is conducted in a peaceful and credible atmosphere.

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