Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force seven days to investigate allegations of political incitement, threats and violence linked to the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

The group also called for the prosecution of any individual found to have violated the law, stressing that electoral disputes and political disagreements should not undermine the rule of law.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, COPA Coordinator, Ajibola Bello, said the coalition was concerned about videos circulating publicly which it said appeared to contain statements capable of encouraging intimidation, restricting citizens’ participation in the electoral process and provoking violence.

He stressed that the coalition was not making a determination of criminal responsibility, but was calling for the appropriate authorities to investigate the allegations and establish the facts.

According to COPA, some of the videos reviewed by the group contained statements attributed to political actors during the election period.

The coalition said the statements, which it did not seek to pronounce as criminal conduct, warranted investigation in view of reports of violence recorded in parts of the state during the election period.

“We are not saying that the statement standing alone establishes criminal responsibility for any subsequent incident. That determination belongs to investigators and ultimately the courts,” Bello said.

The group also referred to another video which it said appeared to contain language urging supporters to engage in violence against members of an opposing political party.

COPA said the allegation should be investigated to determine the authenticity, context and circumstances surrounding the statement, as well as whether there was any connection with subsequent incidents of violence.

The coalition further raised concerns over alleged statements encouraging some citizens not to participate in the election on the basis of their political affiliation.

Bello said no political actor had the authority to prevent any eligible Nigerian from exercising the constitutional right to vote.

He argued that any attempt to intimidate voters or prevent citizens from participating in an election should be investigated in accordance with the law.

COPA urged INEC and the police to examine the allegations under the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws.

The group said the authorities should authenticate the videos, establish the identities of persons featured in them, determine the context in which the statements were made, interview relevant witnesses and investigate reports of violence associated with the election.

COPA also called on INEC to exercise its statutory responsibilities concerning electoral offences where evidence establishes that a crime may have been committed.

Bello cited Section 148(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which he said provides for the prosecution of offences under the Act by INEC’s legal officers or legal practitioners appointed by the commission.

He said the police and other security agencies had a responsibility to conduct investigations, while INEC should take appropriate prosecutorial steps where the required evidentiary threshold was met. “There can therefore be no institutional buck-passing,” he said.

The coalition further urged the authorities to demonstrate that electoral laws would be applied impartially, regardless of the political affiliation or status of any person involved.

It said the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system depended on equal application of the law and accountability for violations established through due process.

COPA consequently demanded that, within seven days, the police and other relevant security agencies commence or make public information on investigations into the alleged statements and incidents of violence associated with the election.

It also called for forensic examination of the videos, interviews with relevant persons and witnesses, and a thorough examination of reported cases of violence.

The coalition urged INEC to take appropriate legal action where investigations establish sufficient evidence of offences under the Electoral Act.

“We are not asking INEC or the Police to pronounce anyone guilty. We are demanding investigation, prosecution where the evidence meets the legal threshold, and determination of guilt or innocence by a court of competent jurisdiction,” Bello said.

COPA also called on the National Human Rights Commission, election observers, civil society organisations and the international community to monitor developments relating to electoral violence and accountability in Osun State.

Bello warned that failure to properly investigate allegations of electoral violence and incitement could undermine public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said COPA would monitor the response of the relevant institutions over the next seven days and consider further lawful steps if appropriate action was not taken.

The coalition maintained that its demand was for investigation and due process, rather than a declaration of guilt against any individual.

“The election is over, but justice cannot be over,” Bello said.

(Tribune)

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