CASER Threatens Legal Action Against Perpetrators of Electoral Violence

The Citizens’ Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has announced plans to take legal action against individuals and groups responsible for electoral violence, intimidation, and attacks on political supporters leading up to the 2027 general elections. According to CASER, evidence of politically motivated attacks has been compiled in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State; Calabar, Cross River State; and Asaba, Delta State. The organization warns that perpetrators, sponsors, and officials who facilitate such acts will face the law.

CASER's Executive Director, Frank Tietie, expressed concern over the growing pattern of political violence, which poses a serious threat to the safety of political candidates, campaigners, and citizens. The organization condemned the violence in Asaba, where at least one person lost their life, and several others sustained serious injuries in attacks recorded across the three locations. CASER commiserated with the family of the deceased and sympathized with those injured, emphasizing that participation in political activities should not expose Nigerians to threats, physical attacks, or loss of life.

CASER plans to explore available legal avenues at national, regional, and international levels to hold individuals responsible for electoral violence accountable. The organization will seek prosecution of offenders where sufficient evidence exists, as well as compensation and other appropriate legal remedies for victims and families of those killed. CASER stressed that its pursuit of justice will be guided by evidence rather than political considerations, adding that no individual will be shielded by political connections, influence, or public office.

Citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, CASER maintained that Nigerians are entitled to support political parties and candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation or violence. The organization urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly on credible threats and ensure that political gatherings receive equal and impartial protection.

CASER also cautioned officials at the federal, state, Federal Capital Territory, and local government levels against neglecting their constitutional and statutory obligations to protect citizens exercising their democratic rights. The organization plans to establish personal liability against public officials found to have participated in attacks, used government resources to facilitate violence, or failed to discharge their legal responsibilities to prevent foreseeable harm.

The rights group disclosed plans to demand official records in cases where security agencies or government authorities had received prior intelligence about planned attacks. CASER urged victims and witnesses of electoral violence to report incidents to the police, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and other relevant law enforcement agencies, while also submitting complaints to the organization.

CASER specifically called on the Inspector-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in the affected states to preserve evidence, protect witnesses, and provide regular updates on investigations into the incidents in Ado-Ekiti, Calabar, and Asaba. The group also urged political parties and candidates to publicly denounce violence, cooperate with investigations, and accept responsibility where individuals acting under their direction or sponsorship were implicated in attacks.

Key points

• CASER will pursue legal action against politicians, parties, and officials found culpable in electoral violence ahead of 2027 general elections.