The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised concerns over rising electoral violence, political intimidation, killings and vote buying ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election….
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised concerns over rising electoral violence, political intimidation, killings and vote buying ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC said findings from independent monitoring, media reports and ongoing assessments indicated a worrying pattern of violence and voter inducement capable of undermining the credibility of the August 15 election.
The organisation said several election-related incidents had been recorded across the state in recent months, including reported killings, shootings, clashes, attacks on political gatherings, destruction of property and intimidation.
CISLAC cited 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 mentioned 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 noting that the circumstances and responsibility for some of the incidents remained under investigation, CISLAC said the reported loss of lives and rising tensions required urgent action from all stakeholders.
The organisation expressed particular concern over the alleged recruitment, financing and deployment of political thugs to intimidate voters, attack opponents, disrupt political activities and influence electoral outcomes.
It warned that such practices could create an atmosphere of fear and prevent citizens from freely exercising their constitutional right to vote.
CISLAC also raised concerns over alleged vote buying, describing it as a major threat to the integrity of the electoral process.
According to the organisation, the practice exploits economic hardship and vulnerability while undermining voters’ ability to make independent political choices.
It further pointed to recent arrests of government officials and other individuals over alleged electoral offences, as well as the reported recovery of cash, Permanent Voter Cards and voter registers, as reasons for increased vigilance by security and electoral authorities.
CISLAC urged authorities to investigate all allegations of electoral offences transparently and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law, regardless of political affiliation or status.
The organisation also expressed concern over reports of armed military personnel being deployed to the Osun State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While acknowledging that extraordinary security measures could become necessary in the face of credible threats, it said any military deployment for electoral purposes must have a clear legal and operational basis.
CISLAC called for such deployments to be guided by neutrality, proportionality and respect for citizens’ rights, while urging the authorities to explain the purpose, scope and legal basis of the military presence at the INEC office.
It warned that security operations must not interfere with electoral officials, intimidate voters or undermine confidence in the neutrality of the election.
The organisation urged all security agencies deployed for the poll to operate under clear rules of engagement and maintain professionalism and political neutrality.
CISLAC also called on candidates, political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to reject violence, demobilise agents of intimidation and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
It urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain strict neutrality, intensify intelligence-led operations in identified high-risk areas, protect voters and electoral personnel, and investigate reported killings and attacks.
The organisation also called on INEC to ensure that all aspects of the election were conducted transparently, securely and in accordance with electoral laws and guidelines.
CISLAC appealed to the National Peace Committee, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to intensify peace advocacy, voter education and campaigns against electoral violence and vote buying.
It equally urged residents of Osun to reject violence, intimidation and electoral inducements and exercise their right to vote freely and peacefully.
CISLAC said it would continue monitoring developments before, during and after the election while advocating transparency, accountability and credible democratic processes.
“Democracy can only thrive when citizens are able to express their choices freely, without fear, intimidation or financial coercion,” Rafsanjani said.
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