SERAP Calls for Safe Elections in Osun State

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has said no election should happen in fear.

They also want the Independent National Electoral Commission to quickly respond to reports of political violence, threats, and intimidation before the Osun State governorship election on August 15, 2026.

In a statement from their website on Wednesday, SERAP asked INEC to find, document, and publicly share reports of political violence. They want INEC to take steps to protect voters, candidates, and others involved in the election.

The group also urged the commission to send credible claims of electoral violence and related crimes to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. They want these cases to be investigated and prosecuted fairly and openly.

SERAP stated that victims of political violence and their families need access to justice and proper support. They reported that Osun State has seen 56 politically related violent incidents and 14 deaths over the past year. Out of these, 36 incidents happened in May and June alone.

These incidents included shootings, killings, physical attacks, intimidation, destruction of property, and harassment. SERAP urged INEC to keep strong evidence of serious and widespread political violence. If such actions could be considered crimes under the International Criminal Court, they want this evidence brought to national and international bodies for accountability.

The organization also called on INEC to improve threat assessment, monitoring, and coordination with security agencies. "No election should be conducted in an atmosphere of fear. Nigerians have the right to vote for the candidates of their choice," SERAP said.

They urged INEC to ensure security measures protect all voters, candidates, journalists, election observers, and civil society groups without any political bias. SERAP emphasized that every voter in Osun State should participate freely and safely without fear, intimidation, or coercion.

They pointed out Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026, which bans threats of force or violence during political campaigns. They stressed that rights to political participation, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and equality must be respected throughout the election.

"INEC must act now to protect the integrity of the Osun governorship election," SERAP said. They called on INEC, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to take immediate actions to stop further violence and ensure the August 15 election is held peacefully and fairly.