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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised the alarm over escalating electoral violence, political intimidation and alleged vote buying ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, warning that the developments could undermine the credibility of the poll.
CISLAC said its assessment, based on independent monitoring, media reports and ongoing observation of the electoral environment, had revealed a disturbing pattern of killings, shootings, clashes, attacks on political gatherings, destruction of property and other forms of intimidation across parts of the state. (thefact.ngAttachment.png)
The organisation expressed particular concern over the reported killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, who was allegedly struck by a stray bullet during a clash.
It also cited the reported killing of Kolade Eluyera in Irewole Local Government Area, the shooting of a political office holder in Osogbo and the killing of a political youth leader in Esa-Oke.
While stressing that the circumstances and responsibility for some of the incidents remained subject to investigation, CISLAC said the reported loss of lives and rising political tension required urgent intervention by all stakeholders to protect citizens and safeguard the electoral process.
The organisation, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said it was particularly worried about the alleged recruitment, financing and deployment of political thugs to intimidate voters, attack opponents, disrupt political activities and influence the outcome of the election.
It warned: “Such practices create an atmosphere of fear and could prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote freely and peacefully.”
CISLAC also raised concerns over alleged vote buying and other forms of voter inducement, describing the practice as “a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process.”
According to the organisation, “the commercialisation of elections exploits economic hardship and vulnerability, while weakening citizens’ ability to make independent political choices.”
It added: “When votes are treated as commodities, the democratic process is reduced to a transaction rather than a genuine expression of the people’s will.”
The group also pointed to the recent arrest of government officials and other individuals in connection with alleged electoral offences, as well as the reported recovery of cash, Permanent Voter Cards and voter registers, saying the developments underscored the need for heightened vigilance by law enforcement and electoral authorities.
CISLAC urged authorities to investigate all allegations of electoral offences transparently and prosecute offenders strictly in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
The organisation also expressed concern over reports of the deployment of armed military personnel to the Osun State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the election.
While acknowledging that extraordinary security measures might become necessary in the face of credible threats to lives, electoral materials and critical infrastructure, CISLAC insisted that any military deployment connected with an election must have a clear legal and operational basis.
The group said: “Any deployment of the military in connection with an electoral process must have a clear legal and operational basis, remain strictly within its defined mandate and be guided by the principles of neutrality, proportionality and respect for the rights of citizens.”
CISLAC further called on the relevant authorities to explain the rationale behind the military presence at the INEC office.
It said: “Authorities must clearly communicate the purpose, scope and legal basis of the military presence at the INEC office and ensure that the deployment does not interfere with the independence of electoral officials, intimidate voters or undermine public confidence in the neutrality of the electoral process.”
The organisation urged all security agencies deployed for the poll to operate under clear rules of engagement, respect fundamental rights and maintain professionalism and political neutrality throughout the electoral process.
It said the combination of violence, intimidation, vote buying and heightened security concerns posed a serious threat to the credibility of the Osun election and could have broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CISLAC called on candidates, political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to immediately reject violence, demobilise agents of intimidation, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and commit to peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
The organisation specifically urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain strict neutrality, intensify intelligence-led operations in identified high-risk areas, protect voters and electoral personnel, investigate reported killings and attacks, and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted.
CISLAC said security agencies must act “irrespective of political affiliation or status” when investigating and prosecuting alleged electoral offences.
The organisation also called on INEC to ensure that every stage of the electoral process was conducted transparently, securely and in accordance with established laws and guidelines.
It urged the National Peace Committee, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to intensify peace advocacy, voter education and public awareness campaigns against electoral violence and vote buying.
CISLAC also appealed to the people of Osun State to reject violence, intimidation and electoral inducements and exercise their right to vote freely, peacefully and responsibly.
The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments before, during and after the election, stressing: “Democracy can only thrive when citizens are able to express their choices freely, without fear, intimidation or financial coercion.”
