The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently address reported cases of political violence, threats and intimidation ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
SERAP warned that the August 15, 2026 election should not be conducted in an atmosphere of fear, urging the electoral commission and security agencies to take immediate measures to protect voters, candidates and other stakeholders participating in the poll.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the organisation asked INEC to identify, document and publicly report incidents of political violence recorded in the state while putting preventive measures in place to forestall further attacks before and during the election.
The group also urged the commission to refer credible allegations of electoral violence and related offences to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies for thorough, impartial and transparent investigation and prosecution.
SERAP said victims of political violence and their families should be given access to justice and effective remedies, stressing that the protection of citizens must remain central to the electoral process.
According to the organisation, 56 politically related violent incidents and 14 fatalities have been recorded in Osun State over the past 12 months, with 36 of the incidents allegedly occurring in May and June alone.
It said the reported incidents included shootings, killings, physical attacks, intimidation, destruction of property and harassment.
SERAP further called on INEC to preserve credible evidence relating to serious, widespread or systematic political violence in the state and, where such conduct may amount to offences within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, ensure that relevant evidence is brought to the attention of appropriate national and international accountability mechanisms.
The organisation also asked INEC to strengthen its threat assessment, monitoring and coordination with security agencies as preparations for the election enter their final stage.
SERAP maintained that every eligible voter in Osun should be able to participate in the election freely and safely, without intimidation, coercion or fear.
It also urged authorities to ensure that security arrangements provide equal protection for voters, candidates, journalists, election observers and civil society organisations without political discrimination.
The organisation drew attention to Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits threats of force or violence during political campaigns, and stressed that constitutional rights to political participation, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association must be protected throughout the electoral process.
SERAP’s intervention comes as political parties intensify their final mobilisation ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with concerns over reported violence adding to the broader debate about the security and credibility of the poll.
The organisation said INEC must act promptly to protect the integrity of the election and work with the relevant authorities to ensure that the exercise is conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible environment.
With only days to the poll, SERAP urged the electoral commission, security agencies and other stakeholders to take immediate steps to prevent further violence and guarantee voters the opportunity to exercise their franchise without fear.
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