Osun 2026: CISLAC raises alarm over killings, vote buying, electoral manipulation

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued a stark warning regarding the upcoming governorship election in Nigeria's Osun State, highlighting significant concerns over potential violence, vote buying, and electoral manipulation.

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While the circumstances and responsibility for some of these incidents remain subject to investigation, CISLAC said the reported loss of lives and increasing tensions across parts of the state demonstrate the urgent need for all stakeholders to prioritise peace and the protection of citizens.

CISLAC's assessment of the pre-election environment reveals a "worrying pattern" of violence, intimidation, and voter inducement. The organization pointed to several reported incidents, including the death of a 14-year-old boy struck by a stray bullet during a clash, the killing of another individual, a reported shooting of a political office holder, and the death of a political youth leader. While acknowledging that investigations are ongoing for some incidents, CISLAC stressed the "urgent need for all stakeholders to prioritise peace and the protection of citizens."

The group expressed particular alarm over the alleged recruitment and deployment of "political thugs and other agents of violence" intended to intimidate voters and disrupt political activities. CISLAC warned that such tactics create an "atmosphere of fear," potentially preventing citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote freely. The organization called on candidates, parties, and supporters to reject violence and commit to peaceful, issue-based campaigning.

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Such practices create an atmosphere of fear and could prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote freely and peacefully.

Beyond physical intimidation, CISLAC also raised concerns about vote buying, labeling it a significant threat to the election's integrity. The organization stated that this practice exploits economic hardship and voter vulnerability, effectively turning elections into "financial transactions." CISLAC urged a commitment to peaceful participation and the rejection of violence as an electoral strategy.

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The practice exploits economic hardship and voters’ vulnerability, reducing elections to financial transactions.