The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to take urgent steps to protect voters and other stakeholders ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.
The organisation said the election must not be conducted in an atmosphere of fear, following reports of political violence, threats and intimidation across the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, SERAP urged INEC to identify and document reported cases of political violence and make the information publicly available.
It also called on the electoral commission to forward credible allegations of electoral offences to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies for investigation and prosecution.
SERAP said victims of political violence and their families should be provided with access to justice and appropriate remedies.
The organisation disclosed that 56 politically related violent incidents and 14 deaths had been recorded in Osun State in the past year, with 36 of the incidents occurring in May and June.
According to SERAP, the reported cases include shootings, killings, physical assaults, intimidation, destruction of property and harassment.
“No election should be conducted in an atmosphere of fear. Nigerians have the right to vote for the candidates of their choice,” the organisation said.
SERAP further asked INEC to strengthen its threat assessment and monitoring mechanisms and improve coordination with security agencies before and during the election.
It also urged authorities to ensure that security arrangements protect voters, candidates, journalists, election observers and civil society organisations without discrimination.
The organisation called for the preservation of credible evidence relating to serious or widespread political violence, particularly where such acts could constitute crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
SERAP also referenced Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits threats involving force or violence during political campaigns.
It stressed that Nigerians’ constitutional rights to participate in politics, express themselves, assemble peacefully and associate freely must be protected throughout the electoral process.
“INEC must act now to protect the integrity of the Osun governorship election,” SERAP said.
The group urged INEC, security agencies and other relevant authorities to take immediate preventive measures to ensure that the August 15 poll is peaceful, credible and free from intimidation.
