Amnesty International Again Asks Nigerian Authorities To Uphold Civic Rights In Osun Governorship Elections | Sahara Reporters

According to the organisation, at least 29 people have been killed in 73 incidents across the state so far.

The Amnesty International has again urged Nigerian authorities to uphold human rights and ensure a peaceful, free and fair election ahead of the Osun State governorship poll scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The organisation said the authorities must fulfil their obligation to promote, protect, respect, and fulfil human rights amid disturbing signs of violence, intimidation and allegations of interference ahead of the election.

Amnesty International, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said it had been receiving disturbing reports of violence, arrests of state government officials and allegations of plans to influence the elections.

According to the organisation, at least 29 people have been killed in 73 incidents across the state so far.

It said, “Authorities must ensure accountability for these reprehensible acts. All parties must commit to renounce violence and commit to a free and fair election.”

Amnesty International said investigations conducted by its teams on the ground indicated escalating violence and a build-up for more clashes in several parts of the state, including Osogbo, Ede, Ife, Oriade, Ijebu-Ijesha, Ilobu, and Ikire.

It further warned that reports of supporters of some politicians violently targeting political opponents, whether real or perceived, were fueling instability and impunity in the state.

“Fuelling the instability and impunity in the state, are reports of supporters of some politicians violently targeting political opponents, real or perceived,” the organisation said.

Amnesty International called on the authorities to prevent potential impunity by ensuring that reported incidents were thoroughly investigated and that anyone suspected of being responsible was brought to justice.

“The authorities must stamp out any potential impunity by ensuring these incidents are investigated and those suspected to be responsible, brought to justice,” it said.

The organisation also warned that the potential turmoil being stirred up by various groups ahead of the governorship election should serve as a clear warning to Nigerian authorities about the possibility of violence during the poll.

“The potential turmoil being stirred up by various groups ahead of the gubernatorial election in Osun State should send a clear signal to the Nigerian authorities of the imminent violence ahead of the polls and government must take active steps to prevent bloody poll,” the Amnesty International said.

It urged authorities at all levels, as well as security agencies deployed for the election, to remain neutral and avoid actions that could be perceived as favouring any political party or candidate.

“The authorities at all levels and security agencies must stand neutral and not engage in any act that may or can be perceived to favour any political party or candidate,” the organisation said.

Amnesty International stressed that the people of Osun State must be allowed to exercise their right to vote freely and fairly in an atmosphere that respects human rights.

“The right of the people of Osun State to vote freely and fairly in an atmosphere of respect for human rights must be upheld,” it said.