Ahead of the state governorship elections scheduled to hold on September 19, 2020, in Edo State, Nigeria, global human rights organisation, Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to fulfil its obligation to Nigerians by preventing violence and upholding human rights in the state.
In a statementfrom its Country Director, Osai Ojigho, titled ‘Nigeria: Authorities must prevent violence and uphold human rights before, during, and after Edo State gubernatorial election’, the organization said it had received disturbing reports of violence motivated by the political class and perpetuated by young people who had been manipulated in one way or the other.
“The potential turmoil being stirred up by various factions ahead of the gubernatorial election in Edo 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 a bloody poll,” the statement partly read. “Fueling the instability and impunity in the state, are reports of supporters of some politicians violently targeting political opponents, real or perceived.”
Amnesty International also urged the government to ensure the “full respect for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association before, during and after the state’s upcoming gubernatorial election and subsequent elections in other states of the federation.”
While Amnesty International closely monitors happenings in Edo state, it also asked political parties and candidates to publicly condemn any advocacy of hatred or incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence.
Why It Matters
The buildup to the 2020 governorship elections in Edo state has been nothing short of controversial. From the disqualification of the state governor, Godwin Obaseki by the ruling All Progressives Congress party (APC) after a public showdown with its former chairman, Adams Oshiomhole to Obaseki’s eventual move to the opposing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the air in Edo state is tense ahead of the polls. With less than a month to the elections, it is imperative that strategies are set in place to diffuse the situation in the state and prevent further conflict.
This story is part of our new series on Nigeria where we analyse electoral reform in the country ahead of the next general elections in 2023.
