Edo By-Election Violence: Observers Demand Probe, Prosecution of Perpetrators

By our Correspondent

A coalition of Nigerian election observer groups has called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the violence that marred last Saturday’s by-election in Ozolua, Ovia Federal Constituency of Edo State, where suspected supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly attacked Comrade Destiny Oghaywrio Enabulele.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the group’s Secretary, Mr. Benedict Okpara, condemned the assault on its member, describing it as “mindless, unfortunate, and a threat to Nigerian democracy.”

Enabulele, who is President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations, was reportedly attacked at his polling unit—Unit 1, Ward 1, Ozolua Model Primary School, Iguobazua—around 9 a.m. while attempting to cast his vote.

The observers recalled that before the election, they had warned security agencies of a premeditated plan by the APC in the state to instigate violence during the exercise.

They alleged that APC thugs assaulted Enabulele and two of his aides in the presence of security operatives, who, according to them, failed to intervene.

“We consider the unprovoked attack and dehumanization of our member while carrying out his civic duty as a violation of his fundamental right to vote, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” the coalition stated.

They further argued that the violent disruptions, allegedly fueled by desperation to manipulate the process, had cast serious doubt on the credibility of the polls.

The coalition demanded that police and other security agencies conduct a transparent investigation and publish their findings, stressing that eyewitnesses were available to corroborate the incident.

They also condemned what they described as the “over-militarization and manipulation of the electoral environment” in Edo, noting that it breached provisions of the Electoral Act and undermined voters’ rights to a free and transparent process.

“President Bola Tinubu, who is known as a promoter of constitutional democracy and freedom of association, should call his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State to order before they plunge the state into a major security crisis,” the group warned.