By Stella Odueme
The Citizens’ Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has condemned the growing cases of electoral violence and political intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that those responsible would be held accountable.
The Executive Director CASER, Frank Tietie, Esq, said in a statement on Monday that recent incidents recorded in Ado-Ekiti, Calabar and Asaba had raised serious concerns about the safety of political candidates, campaign workers and ordinary Nigerians participating in political activities.
CASER said one person had been killed in Asaba, while several others sustained serious injuries in the reported incidents.
The organisation expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and solidarity with those injured, insisting that Nigerians must be able to attend political rallies, support candidates and campaign for political parties without fear of attacks.
Tietie, said the organisation was documenting the incidents and would deploy appropriate national, regional and international mechanisms to pursue accountability against individuals involved in electoral violence.
He said those who carry out, sponsor, finance, organise or knowingly facilitate such attacks would face legal action, including prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.
Tietie stressed that the organisation would pursue accountability irrespective of political affiliation, influence or public office.
He cited Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, noting that the protection applies equally to supporters of all political parties.
The organisation urged the police and other relevant authorities to respond promptly to credible threats and provide security for political gatherings without discrimination.
It also warned federal, state, FCT and local government officials against failing to discharge their legal responsibilities to protect citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
According to the statement, CASER would pursue personal liability against public officials found to have participated in attacks, facilitated violence through public resources or breached their legal obligations to protect citizens.
The organisation added that it would also explore joint and vicarious liability against relevant public institutions where evidence established their legal responsibility.
CASER called on victims and witnesses to report incidents to the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission and other competent authorities.
It urged affected persons and their families to notify the organisation through complaints@citizensadvocacy.org or citizensadvocacy@gmail.com, providing their contact details, the date and location of incidents and a brief account of what happened.
It further advised victims and witnesses to preserve relevant evidence, including photographs, videos, threatening messages, medical records, receipts and witness information.
The organisation said families could also submit complaints on behalf of deceased victims or individuals unable to report incidents themselves.
It called on the Inspector-General of Police and relevant Commissioners of Police to preserve evidence, protect witnesses and provide public updates on investigations into the reported attacks.
CASER also urged political parties and candidates to condemn electoral violence unequivocally, cooperate with investigations and take responsibility for the conduct of individuals acting on their behalf.
The organisation maintained that every Nigerian must be allowed to campaign, assemble and vote without intimidation, warning that electoral violence was unacceptable, particularly amid the country's existing security challenges.