Why we’re worried over Osun governorship election — CISLAC

Nigeria's Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has voiced significant apprehension regarding the upcoming governorship election in Osun State. The organization highlighted a growing threat of electoral violence, political intimidation, and vote buying, casting a shadow over the democratic process.

According to CISLAC's Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, these concerns are based on independent monitoring, media reports, and ongoing assessments of the electoral environment. The center noted reports of killings, shootings, clashes, attacks on political gatherings, and destruction of property in various parts of Osun in recent months. While the circumstances and perpetrators of some incidents remain under investigation, CISLAC stressed that the reported loss of lives and rising tensions necessitate a prioritization of peace and citizen protection.

Of particular concern to CISLAC is the alleged recruitment, financing, and deployment of political thugs. The organization warned that such tactics aim to intimidate voters, attack opponents, disrupt political activities, and ultimately influence electoral outcomes. This, they stated, could foster an atmosphere of fear, hindering citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote freely and peacefully.

Furthermore, CISLAC addressed the issue of vote buying, criticizing the alleged commercialization of the electoral process. They argued that exploiting economic hardship to buy votes reduces democracy to a mere transaction rather than a genuine expression of the people's will. The organization also pointed to recent arrests linked to electoral offenses, including the recovery of cash and voter materials, as evidence of the need for increased vigilance by law enforcement and electoral authorities.

CISLAC also expressed reservations about the deployment of military personnel to the Independent National Electoral Commission's office in Osun State. While acknowledging the potential need for security in the face of credible threats, the organization insisted that any military involvement must have a clear legal and operational basis, remain within its defined mandate, and be guided by neutrality, proportionality, and respect for citizens' rights. They called for clear communication from authorities regarding the purpose and scope of such deployments.

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“CISLAC therefore calls on the relevant authorities to clearly communicate the purpose, scope an”