Get Guardian on GoogleThe Citizens’ Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has warned politicians and public officials against involvement in electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, threatening legal action against those found culpable.
The organisation said recent attacks in Ado-Ekiti, Calabar and Asaba had raised concerns about the safety of political candidates, campaign workers and supporters of different political parties.
It disclosed that one person had been killed in Asaba, while several others sustained serious injuries in the incidents recorded across the three locations.
In a statement signed on Monday by its Executive Director, Frank Tietie, CASER condemned the attacks and extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and solidarity to those injured.
The organisation said it was documenting the incidents and would deploy appropriate national, regional and international mechanisms to ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice.
It warned that its efforts would target those who carried out, ordered, financed, organised or knowingly facilitated electoral violence, irrespective of their political affiliations, influence or public office.
“We will press for prosecution wherever the evidence warrants it and seek compensation and other lawful remedies for victims and bereaved families,” the statement said.
CASER cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, stressing that the protection applies to supporters of every political party.
It called on the police and other relevant authorities to respond promptly to credible threats and provide security for political gatherings without discrimination.
The organisation also warned federal, state, Federal Capital Territory and local government officials to discharge their respective legal responsibilities to protect citizens participating in peaceful political activities.
It said public officials who participated in attacks, used public resources to facilitate violence or breached their legal duty to protect citizens would be held personally liable where the evidence supported such action.
CASER added that it would pursue joint liability where officials or institutions shared legal responsibility, as well as vicarious liability where government authorities were legally answerable for the conduct of their officers.
The group said it would also demand official records where authorities received warnings about planned attacks, including details of who received the information, the preventive measures available and actions taken.
It urged victims and witnesses to report incidents to the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other competent law enforcement agencies.
It also asked affected persons to notify the organisation through [email protected] or [email protected], providing their contact details, the date and location of incidents and a brief account of what happened.
CASER advised complainants to preserve available evidence, including original photographs, videos, threatening messages, medical records, receipts and details of witnesses.
It said family members could also submit complaints on behalf of victims who had died or were unable to report the incidents themselves.
The organisation pledged to monitor the handling of complaints, demand timely investigations and pursue appropriate claims for compensation and other forms of redress.
It specifically 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 incidents in the three locations.
Political parties and candidates were also urged to condemn attacks unequivocally, cooperate with investigations and answer for the conduct of individuals acting under their direction or sponsorship.
CASER said electoral violence was unacceptable, particularly as Nigerians continued to grapple with insecurity arising from kidnappings, terrorism and banditry.
“Every Nigerian must be free to campaign, assemble and vote without fear,” it said, adding: “Enough is Enough!”
