By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed concern over rising security tensions, alleged political violence and vote-buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The organisation said recent developments in the state pointed to an increasingly volatile electoral environment capable of intimidating voters, discouraging participation and undermining the credibility of the poll.
CISLAC made its position known in a statement signed by its Executive Director and Transparency International Nigeria Chairman, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, and made available to journalists.
According to the organisation, findings from independent monitoring, media reports and ongoing assessments of the electoral environment have revealed disturbing reports of violence, intimidation and alleged voter inducement across the state.
It noted that several election-related incidents had been reported in recent months, including killings, shootings, clashes, attacks on political gatherings, destruction of property and other acts of intimidation.
CISLAC cited the reported death 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 referenced 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 acknowledging that the circumstances surrounding some of the incidents remained under investigation, the organisation said the reported loss of lives underscored the urgent need for stakeholders to prioritise peace and the protection of citizens.
Concern Over Political Thuggery
CISLAC expressed particular concern over the alleged recruitment, financing and deployment of political thugs and other agents of violence during the election period.
It warned that such activities could be used to intimidate voters, attack political opponents, disrupt campaigns and influence electoral outcomes.
The organisation said the creation of an atmosphere of fear could prevent citizens from freely exercising their constitutional right to vote.
It equally condemned alleged vote buying and other forms of voter inducement, describing them as serious threats to the integrity of the electoral process.
According to CISLAC, the commercialisation of elections exploits the economic vulnerability of citizens and weakens their ability to make independent political choices.
The organisation also cited 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 developments requiring heightened vigilance.
It called for all allegations of electoral offences to be investigated transparently and prosecuted strictly in accordance with the law, without political favouritism or discrimination.
Military Deployment To INEC Office
CISLAC also raised questions over reports of armed military personnel being deployed to the Osun State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the election.
Although the organisation acknowledged that extraordinary security measures could become necessary in the face of credible threats to lives, electoral materials or critical infrastructure, it insisted that military involvement in an electoral process must have a clear legal and operational basis.
It called on relevant authorities to publicly explain the purpose, scope and legal basis of the military presence at the INEC office.
CISLAC stressed that the deployment must not compromise the independence of electoral officials, intimidate voters or create doubts about the neutrality of the electoral process.
It further urged security agencies deployed for the election to operate under clearly defined rules of engagement, respect fundamental human rights and maintain professionalism and political neutrality.
Call For Security Agencies To Act
The organisation warned that the combination of violence, intimidation, alleged vote buying and heightened security concerns could pose a significant threat to the credibility of the Osun election, with possible implications for Nigeria’s democratic development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CISLAC therefore appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to reject violence, dismantle networks of intimidation, avoid inflammatory statements and commit themselves to peaceful, issue-based campaigns.
It urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to maintain strict neutrality, intensify intelligence-led operations in identified high-risk areas, protect voters and electoral officials, investigate reported killings and attacks, and prosecute anyone found culpable regardless of political affiliation or status.
The organisation also called on INEC to ensure that every stage of the electoral process is conducted transparently, securely and in accordance with existing laws and guidelines.
It urged the National Peace Committee, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to intensify peace advocacy, voter education and public awareness campaigns against electoral violence and vote buying.
CISLAC equally appealed to residents of Osun State to reject violence, intimidation and electoral inducements and to exercise their franchise peacefully and responsibly.
The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments before, during and after the election while advocating transparency, accountability, peaceful participation and credible democratic processes.
It maintained that democracy can only thrive when citizens are able to make and express their choices freely, without fear, intimidation or financial coercion.
