The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised the alarm over rising electoral violence, political intimidation and vote buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
In a statement on Wednesday, CISLAC/Transparency International Nigeria Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said findings from independent monitoring, media reports and ongoing assessments show a worrying pattern that could undermine the credibility of the election and discourage voter participation.
The organisation said several election-related incidents have been recorded across the state in recent months, including killings, shootings, clashes, attacks on political gatherings, destruction of property and other forms of intimidation.
CISLAC cited the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Irepodun LGA, after he was reportedly struck by a stray bullet during a clash. It also listed the killing of Kolade Eluyera in Irewole LGA, the shooting of a political office holder in Osogbo, and the killing of a political youth leader in Esa-Oke.
“While the circumstances and responsibility for some of these incidents remain subject to investigation, the reported loss of lives and increasing tensions demonstrate the urgent need for all stakeholders to prioritise peace and the protection of citizens,” the statement said.
CISLAC expressed particular concern over the recruitment, financing and deployment of political thugs and other agents of violence to intimidate voters, attack opponents, disrupt political activities and influence outcomes.
The organisation also warned against vote buying and other forms of voter inducement, describing it as a threat to electoral integrity.
“The commercialisation of elections exploits economic hardship and vulnerability, while weakening citizens’ ability to make independent political choices. When votes are treated as commodities, democracy is reduced to a transaction rather than a genuine expression of the people’s will,” CISLAC said.
The group noted recent arrests of government officials and other individuals over alleged electoral offences, and the reported recovery of cash, Permanent Voter Cards and voter registers.
It urged law enforcement and electoral authorities to remain vigilant and to investigate all allegations transparently and without political favour.
CISLAC also commented on reports of armed military personnel deployed to the INEC office in Osun ahead of the poll.
It acknowledged that extraordinary security may be needed where there are credible threats, but said any military deployment must have a clear legal and operational basis and be guided by neutrality, proportionality and respect for citizens’ rights.
CISLAC called on authorities to clearly communicate the purpose, scope and legal basis of the military presence at the INEC office, and to ensure it does not interfere with electoral officials, intimidate voters or undermine public confidence.
The organisation further urged all security agencies to operate under clear rules of engagement, respect fundamental rights, and maintain professionalism and political neutrality.
CISLAC warned that the combination of violence, intimidation, voter inducement and heightened security concerns poses a serious threat to the credibility of the Osun election and could have implications for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of 2027.
It called on candidates, political actors and supporters to reject violence, demobilize agents of intimidation, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and commit to peaceful, issue-based campaigns.
The group urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain neutral, intensify intelligence-led operations in high-risk areas, protect voters and electoral personnel, investigate reported killings and attacks, and prosecute anyone found culpable regardless of political affiliation.
It also tasked INEC with ensuring all aspects of the process are transparent, secure and in line with the law.
CISLAC further called on the National Peace Committee, traditional rulers, religious leaders, CSOs and the media to intensify peace advocacy, voter education and public awareness against electoral violence and vote buying.
The organisation appealed to the people of Osun to reject violence, intimidation and inducements and to vote freely, peacefully and responsibly.
“Democracy can only thrive when citizens are able to express their choices freely, without fear, intimidation or financial coercion,” CISLAC said.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments before, during and after the election.
