Osun Election Violence Victims Headcount by Adeleke Campaign

• The Imole Campaign Council has initiated a post-election review of electoral violence in Osun State.
• The exercise aims to document every person affected by violence before, during, and immediately after the election.
• Victims will be documented regardless of their political affiliation or persuasion.
• The headcount may have significant implications for future elections in Nigeria.

Every victim must be documented. Importantly, this exercise is not party-focused. Every victim must be documented irrespective of political affiliation, party membership or voting preference.

The Imole Campaign Council has initiated a comprehensive review of electoral violence in Osun State, focusing on documenting victims of the election-related violence. This exercise aims to capture every person affected by violence before, during, and immediately after the election, regardless of their political affiliation. The council's spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, emphasized that this headcount is not party-focused, ensuring that all victims are documented irrespective of their political persuasion. Every victim must be documented, including those who sustained injuries, families who lost loved ones, and persons whose properties were damaged or destroyed. This exercise will cover every aspect of the electoral process, from the campaign period to the aftermath of the election.

The review comes amidst a backdrop of reported violence in parts of the state during the election campaign. The killing of an Accord Party supporter, Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as Rogba, in Esa-Oke in June, was one of several incidents that sparked concerns about electoral violence. The Imole Campaign Council had previously called for an independent investigation into this incident and other alleged politically motivated attacks involving major parties. Ahead of the poll, clashes and allegations of politically motivated attacks were reported, further highlighting the need for a thorough review of electoral violence in Osun State.

The outcome of this headcount may have significant implications for future elections in Nigeria. Lawyers advising clients on post-election reviews should note that the documentation and verification of affected persons could play a crucial role in shaping electoral processes. The Imole Campaign Council's exercise underscores the importance of addressing electoral violence, ensuring that every victim is accounted for, and their rights are protected. This approach may set a precedent for future elections, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and the well-being of all citizens involved in the electoral process.

Lawyers advising clients on post-election reviews should note that the Imole Campaign Council's headcount of electoral violence victims may have implications for future elections in Nigeria, particularly with regards to documentation and verification of affected persons.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Online