Rights advocacy group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has called for an immediate investigation into allegations of violence, intimidation and human rights abuses surrounding the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, 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 urgent action over the allegations.
RULAAC said it had received complaints from PDP members and supporters alleging that several party faithful were subjected to intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults and other forms of harassment before and during the by-election.
According to the organisation, 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 that undermined democratic principles.
The group stressed that democracy cannot flourish in an environment where citizens fear violence, intimidation or arbitrary arrest for exercising their political rights, adding that elections should never become a pretext for repression or abuse.
Although it noted that it had not independently verified all the allegations, RULAAC maintained that the gravity of the claims required prompt, impartial and transparent investigations by the appropriate authorities.
The organisation also expressed concern over reports that several people allegedly sustained injuries during election-related violence, with some victims still receiving medical treatment. It further lamented claims that affected persons and their families had received little or no support, while those allegedly responsible had yet to face 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 urge 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 the excessive use of force by security personnel or individuals allegedly acting in collaboration with them.
It said security agencies must remain politically neutral and discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally to avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
RULAAC also called on INEC to review complaints relating to the conduct of the by-election, particularly allegations that violence and intimidation prevented voters, party agents and election observers from participating freely.
According to the organisation, any institutional weaknesses identified during such a review should be addressed to strengthen electoral integrity and boost public confidence in future elections.
The group further urged 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. It also called on the government to cooperate fully with independent investigations and demonstrate its 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 added.
