The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to instruct Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba to conduct a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation into the reported attack on Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi following a rally in Katsina State. Additionally, SERAP urged Buhari to direct Baba and Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, to identify and publicly denounce any politicians or individuals involved in election-related intimidation, harassment, and violence, ensuring that they are swiftly brought to justice.
In a statement released by Obi’s campaign team, signed by media head Diran Onifade, it was reported that Obi was attacked with heavy stones while en route to the airport after the rally in Katsina. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as SERAP noted that there were 339 reported incidents of election-related intimidation, harassment, and violence across the country in 2022. In a letter dated January 28, 2023, and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized that the increasing cases of election-related violence are fundamentally at odds with the principles of free and fair elections.
SERAP argued that investigating and prosecuting these incidents would not only halt further violence but also facilitate free and fair elections, encouraging Nigerians to exercise their voting rights. The organization pointed out that such actions would promote the rule of law and uphold democratic traditions in Nigeria. The letter highlighted that the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, and international human rights obligations recognize the fundamental right to participate in government and the necessity of free and fair elections.
SERAP requested that the recommended measures be implemented within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter. They warned that if no response is received within this timeframe, they would consider appropriate legal actions to compel compliance in the public interest. The organization stressed that election-related intimidation, harassment, and violence are serious violations of Nigerians’ rights to participate in the democratic process and to have free and fair elections.
The letter further defined free and fair elections as those conducted under conditions that allow voters to cast their ballots freely, without threats or intimidation before, during, or after the elections. Such elections are essential for the success of any democracy, and they cannot occur in an environment plagued by recurring instances of election-related violence. Fairness in elections means providing equal opportunities and a conducive environment for all parties to present their cases to the public, enabling voters to make informed choices.
SERAP expressed concern over the growing impunity surrounding election-related intimidation and violence. They emphasized that taking swift action to address this impunity would send a strong message to politicians and non-state actors that the government will not tolerate actions undermining the people’s right to free and fair elections.
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