The group raised the alarm following findings of its long-term observers deployed in all of the state’s 30 local councils to assess preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security planning, stakeholders’ commitments, campaigns, political activities, as well as voter education and violence monitoring.
In the pre-election report submitted yesterday, in Abuja, the non-profit organisation said its observers tracked and reported activities that could affect the planning of the poll and its peaceful conduct.
Some of the activities reported include violent physical attacks during political party meetings or campaigns and vandalism of properties belonging to party supporters.
Yiaga also observed an increase in the activities of cult groups in some council areas. Reports of politicians engaging the services of cultists during rallies were equally documented.
Other early warning signs of electoral violence, according to the body, are the destruction of billboards belonging to political opponents.
Similarly, the group disclosed that it also tracked voter inducement in the form of distribution of money and gift items to voters and the purchase of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Yiaga lamented too that poor voter education would impact participation by the marginalised group.
