Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka
Rights group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for an urgent investigation into allegations of violence, intimidation and human rights violations linked to the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organisation urged the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Enugu State Government and other relevant institutions to take immediate steps to address the claims.
RULAAC said it received complaints from members and supporters of the PDP alleging that several party members were subjected to intimidation, arbitrary arrests, assaults and other forms of harassment before and during the election.
According to the organisation, the complainants claimed that the incidents disrupted legitimate political activities, prevented party agents and supporters from freely participating in the electoral process and created an atmosphere of fear that undermined democratic principles.
RULAAC warned that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere where citizens fear violence, intimidation or arbitrary arrest for exercising their political rights, adding that electoral contests must never become a justification for abuse or repression.
While noting that it had not independently verified all the allegations, RULAAC said the seriousness of the claims warranted prompt, impartial and transparent investigations by the appropriate authorities.
The group expressed concern over reports that many individuals allegedly sustained injuries during election-related violence and that some victims were still receiving medical treatment. It also lamented claims that affected persons and their families had not received adequate support while those allegedly responsible had not been brought to justice.
“Free, fair, peaceful and inclusive elections remain essential to constitutional democracy. All Nigerians are entitled to fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including the rights to life, dignity, liberty, freedom of movement, association, peaceful assembly and political participation.
“We call on the PDP leadership to engage with the complainants, establish the facts surrounding the allegations and provide necessary support to affected members where appropriate. We also urged the party to publicly reaffirm its commitment to democratic values and the protection of the rights of its members,” RULAAC said.
The advocacy group further urged 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 alongside them.
According to RULAAC, security agencies must remain politically neutral and perform their constitutional duties professionally to avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in elections.
The group also asked INEC to review complaints relating to the conduct of the by-election, particularly allegations that violence and intimidation hindered the participation of voters, party agents and election observers.
It said any institutional shortcomings identified during such a review should be addressed to strengthen electoral integrity and public confidence in future elections.
RULAAC further urged the Enugu State Government to ensure that no citizen suffers violence, intimidation or persecution because of political affiliation or participation in lawful democratic activities. It called on government authorities to cooperate with independent investigations and demonstrate commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of residents.
“We appeal to the National Human Rights Commission to independently monitor, document and investigate allegations of rights violations connected with the election and provide support to victims where necessary.
“Anyone found culpable of election-related offences, whether political actors, security personnel, public officials or private individuals, should be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” it advised.
