The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on authorities to ensure that voters in Osun State are able to participate in the August 15, 2026 governorship election without fear, intimidation or violence.
SERAP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take urgent action over reported cases of political violence, threats and intimidation ahead of the election.
In a statement published on its website on Wednesday, the organisation called on INEC to identify, document and publicly disclose incidents of political violence recorded during the electoral process.
The group also asked the electoral commission to implement preventive measures to safeguard voters, candidates, election officials and other stakeholders before and during the poll.
SERAP further urged INEC to refer credible allegations of electoral violence and other related offences to the Nigeria Police Force and relevant security agencies for impartial, transparent and thorough investigation.
According to the organisation, perpetrators of electoral violence must be held accountable in accordance with the law.
SERAP also called for the preservation of credible evidence relating to serious, widespread or systematic political violence.
It noted that where such acts potentially amount to crimes falling within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, relevant evidence should be brought to the attention of appropriate national and international accountability mechanisms.
The organisation stressed that the right of citizens to vote freely and safely must be protected, insisting that “no election should be conducted in fear.”
With the Osun governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, stakeholders have continued to call on political parties, security agencies and electoral authorities to prioritise peace and ensure a credible electoral process.
