RULAAC demands probe of alleged violence, rights abuses in Enugu North by-election

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for an urgent investigation into allegations of violence, intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and other human rights violations said to have occurred before and during the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.

The organisation appealed to the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Enugu State Government, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and other relevant institutions to take immediate steps to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC said the call followed complaints it received from members and supporters of the PDP, who alleged that several party faithful were intimidated, arbitrarily arrested, assaulted, and subjected to various forms of harassment before and during the by-election.

The organisation said the complainants alleged that the incidents disrupted lawful political activities, prevented party agents and supporters from participating freely in the electoral process, and created an atmosphere of fear that was inconsistent with democratic principles.

RULAAC, however, clarified that it had not independently verified all the allegations contained in the complaints.

It said, “The gravity of the claims — including reports of injuries, arbitrary arrests, assaults, and restrictions on political participation — raises serious human rights concerns that require prompt, impartial and transparent attention by the relevant authorities.”

The rights advocacy group also expressed concern over reports that several people allegedly sustained injuries during election-related violence, with some said to be receiving medical treatment.

“It is equally concerned by allegations that victims and their families have been left without adequate support, while those responsible for the reported abuses have not been held accountable,” the statement added.

RULAAC stressed that free, fair, peaceful, and inclusive elections remain indispensable to constitutional democracy, noting that every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, is entitled to the rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

These, it said, include the rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of association, peaceful assembly, political participation, and equal protection under the law.

The organisation urged the national leadership of the PDP to engage with the complainants, establish the facts surrounding the allegations, and provide appropriate support to affected members where necessary.

It also called on the party to publicly reaffirm its commitment to democratic values, peaceful political participation, and the protection of the rights and welfare of its members.

On the role of security agencies, RULAAC urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate all allegations of arbitrary arrests, assault, intimidation, and excessive use of force allegedly committed by security personnel or individuals acting in concert with them.

The statement read, “Security agencies must remain politically neutral, discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally, and ensure that they neither participate in nor facilitate acts capable of undermining public confidence in elections.”

The group also urged INEC to review all complaints relating to the conduct of the by-election, including allegations that violence and intimidation affected the ability of voters, party agents, and election observers to participate freely.

It said where institutional weaknesses were identified, appropriate remedial measures should be implemented to strengthen electoral integrity and restore public confidence in future elections.

RULAAC further called on the Enugu State Government to ensure that no citizen is subjected to violence, intimidation or persecution because of political affiliation or participation in lawful democratic activities.

It urged the government to cooperate fully with independent investigations and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all residents without discrimination.

The organisation also tasked the National Human Rights Commission to independently monitor, document, and investigate the alleged violations connected with the by-election, provide support to victims where necessary, and make recommendations that would promote accountability and institutional reforms.

It maintained that where there is credible evidence of criminal conduct, all those responsible, whether political actors, security personnel, public officials, or private individuals, should be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Ending impunity for election-related violence is essential to safeguarding democracy and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process,” the statement said.