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

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a strong warning against conducting elections in an atmosphere of fear, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address reported political violence ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

SERAP called on INEC to promptly document and publicize incidents of political violence, while also implementing preventive measures to safeguard voters, candidates, and other election stakeholders. The organization further recommended referring credible allegations of electoral violence and related offenses to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies for investigation and prosecution.

"No election should be conducted in an atmosphere of fear. Nigerians have the right to vote for the candidates of their choice," SERAP stated. The organization emphasized that victims of political violence and their families must have access to justice and effective remedies. SERAP also cited that 56 politically related violent incidents and 14 fatalities have been recorded in Osun State over the past 12 months, with a significant number occurring in May and June alone. These reported incidents include shootings, killings, physical attacks, intimidation, property destruction, and harassment.

“

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

SERAP urged INEC to preserve evidence of serious political violence and, where applicable, bring it to the attention of national and international accountability mechanisms, especially if conduct amounts to crimes within the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction. The organization also stressed the need for strengthened threat assessment, monitoring, and coordination with security agencies.

Furthermore, SERAP called on INEC to ensure that security arrangements protect all participants, including voters, candidates, journalists, observers, and civil society organizations, without political bias. The organization insisted that every voter in Osun State should be able to participate freely and safely, free from intimidation or coercion. SERAP referenced Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits threats of force or violence during political campaigns, and underscored the importance of protecting constitutional rights to political participation, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association throughout the electoral process.

“

INEC must act now to protect the integrity of the Osun governorship election.