The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has expressed concern over the rising threat of electoral violence, political intimidation and vote buying ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, the organisation said its concerns were based on independent monitoring, media reports and ongoing assessments of the state’s electoral environment.
CISLAC said several election-related incidents had been recorded in different parts of Osun in recent months, including reported killings, shootings, clashes, attacks on political gatherings, destruction of property and intimidation.
The organisation said the reported incidents and rising tension required urgent intervention by all stakeholders to protect lives and preserve the credibility of the election.
Rafsanjani said CISLAC was particularly concerned about the alleged recruitment, financing and deployment of political thugs to intimidate voters, attack opponents and disrupt political activities.
CISLAC warned that such activities could create fear and prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote freely.
The organisation also condemned vote buying, saying the practice exploits economic hardship and reduces elections to financial transactions rather than genuine expressions of the people’s will.
On alleged arrests linked to electoral offences, Rafsanjani said, “Allegations of electoral offences must be investigated transparently and handled strictly in accordance with the law, without political favour or discrimination.”
CISLAC also expressed concern over reports of armed military personnel being deployed to the Osun State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
It acknowledged that extraordinary security measures could become necessary in the face of credible threats but stressed that military deployment during elections must have a clear legal basis and remain within its defined mandate.
The organisation called on authorities to clearly explain the purpose, scope and legal basis of the military presence and ensure that it did not intimidate voters or compromise INEC’s independence.
It further urged all security agencies to maintain political neutrality, respect fundamental rights and operate under clear rules of engagement.
CISLAC called on political parties and candidates to reject violence and inflammatory rhetoric, while urging security agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations and prosecute perpetrators regardless of political affiliation.
The organisation also appealed to INEC to ensure transparency and strict compliance with electoral laws and guidelines.
It urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to intensify peace campaigns and voter education.
CISLAC appealed to Osun residents “to reject violence, intimidation and electoral inducements and to exercise their right to vote freely, peacefully and responsibly.”
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