The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, has called on the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Enugu State Government, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and other relevant institutions to urgently investigate allegations of violence, intimidation and human rights violations linked to the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.
In a statement, Nwanguma said the call followed complaints received by RULAAC from members and supporters of the PDP, who alleged that several party members were subjected to intimidation, arbitrary arrests, assault and other forms of harassment before and during the election.
According to him, the complainants alleged that the incidents disrupted lawful political activities, prevented party agents and supporters from participating freely in the electoral process, and created an atmosphere of fear inconsistent with democratic principles.
Nwanguma, however, noted that RULAAC had not independently verified all the allegations contained in the complaints. He said the seriousness of the claims, including reports of injuries, arbitrary arrests, assaults and restrictions on political participation, warranted prompt, impartial and transparent investigations by the appropriate authorities.
He expressed concern over reports that many people allegedly sustained injuries during election-related violence and that some victims were still receiving medical treatment. He also lamented claims that affected individuals and their families had not received adequate support, while those allegedly responsible for the abuses had yet to be held accountable.
The RULAAC executive director stressed that free, fair, peaceful and inclusive elections remain essential to constitutional democracy, noting that every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, is entitled to fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
He said these rights include the rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of association, peaceful assembly, political participation and equal protection under the law, adding that they impose corresponding obligations on political parties, security agencies, electoral authorities and governments at all levels.
Nwanguma urged the PDP’s national leadership to engage with the complainants, establish the facts surrounding the allegations, provide appropriate support to affected members where necessary, and publicly reaffirm the party’s commitment to democratic values, peaceful political participation and the protection of the rights and welfare of its members.
He also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate allegations of arbitrary arrests, assault, intimidation and excessive use of force by security personnel or individuals allegedly acting in concert with them.
According to him, security agencies must remain politically neutral, discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally, and avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
Nwanguma further urged INEC to review all complaints relating to the conduct of the by-election, particularly allegations that violence and intimidation affected the ability of voters, party agents and election observers to participate freely.
He said that where institutional weaknesses are identified, appropriate remedial measures should be implemented to strengthen electoral integrity and restore public confidence in future elections.
The RULAAC executive director also called on the Enugu State Government to ensure that no citizen is subjected to violence, intimidation or persecution because of political affiliation or participation in lawful democratic activities.
He urged government authorities to cooperate fully with independent investigations and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all residents without discrimination.
Nwanguma further appealed to the National Human Rights Commission to exercise its statutory mandate by independently monitoring, documenting and investigating allegations of human rights violations connected to the by-election, providing necessary support to victims and making recommendations aimed at ensuring accountability and institutional reforms.
He maintained that where credible evidence establishes that criminal offences were committed, those responsible—whether political actors, security personnel, public officials or private individuals—should be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Ending impunity for election-related violence is essential to safeguarding democracy and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process,” he said.
Nwanguma reiterated that democracy cannot thrive where citizens fear violence, intimidation or arbitrary arrest for exercising their political rights, stressing that electoral competition must never become a licence for abuse or political repression.
He affirmed RULAAC’s commitment to promoting peaceful democratic participation, strengthening the rule of law, advancing accountability and protecting the fundamental rights of all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.
According to him, the organisation remains ready to support genuine efforts aimed at securing justice for victims, preventing future electoral violence and strengthening democratic institutions. #Securitynewsalert.com
