NBA warns of orchestrated violence, urges police neutrality

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed grave concern over the escalating political violence in Osun State as the governorship election approaches. NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) stated that the violence is not spontaneous but rather "orchestrated, planned and coordinated." He urged political actors to control their supporters and cease the violence.

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From all the feedback and all the reports we have got, the violence that has taken place in Osun State and which is related to this election is not spontaneous. They are orchestrated; they are planned and coordinated.

Osigwe, who is in Osun State to monitor the election, revealed that his team has recorded 73 election violence-related incidents, resulting in approximately 29 deaths between May and July. He noted that the intensity of violence has increased, with threats being issued. The NBA President highlighted Osogbo and Ilesa as particular flashpoints, accounting for over 50% of the reported incidents.

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Statistics show that there were about 73 reported election violence-related incidents. Also, one report has reported a death toll of about 29 between May and July.

While some incidents are attributed to cult clashes, Osigwe maintained they also appear linked to political party conflicts. He emphasized that violence should not be employed to intimidate voters, cause disenfranchisement, or undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The NBA appealed to the deployed security personnel to maintain neutrality and perform their duties professionally, ensuring the safety of election officials and all individuals involved.

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We need to make that point clear that violence should not, in any form or guise, be used to intimidate voters into staying away or being disenfranchised or to cause a lack of integrity in the electoral process.