Political violence and intimidation must not be allowed to undermine the August 15 Osun governorship election, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has warned.
In a statement published on its website on Wednesday, SERAP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to urgently investigate reports of violence, threats and intimidation and take steps to protect voters, candidates and other election stakeholders.
The organisation said 56 politically related violent incidents and 14 fatalities had been recorded in Osun State in the past 12 months, with 36 incidents reported in May and June alone. It said the incidents included shootings, killings, physical attacks, intimidation, property destruction and harassment.
SERAP also called on INEC to document credible cases and refer them to the police and other relevant security agencies for impartial investigation and prosecution. It said victims and their families must have access to justice and effective remedies.
“No election should be conducted in an atmosphere of fear. Nigerians have the right to vote for the candidates of their choice”, SERAP said, urging authorities to ensure that voters, candidates, journalists and election observers can participate without intimidation or coercion.
The organisation further urged INEC and security agencies to strengthen threat assessment and coordination ahead of the poll, stressing that immediate action was needed to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
