NLS condemns voter Intimidation

...demands probe, prosecution of perpetrators

The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has condemned the alleged intimidation, harassment and coercion of voters by politicians, political parties, their supporters and agents, calling for the immediate investigation and prosecution of perpetrators.

The NLS, in a statement signed by its Acting President, Abdulqadir Alhaji Sani, on August 31, said every eligible Nigerian has the constitutional right to participate freely in elections and choose a candidate without fear or undue influence.

The society described political intimidation as unacceptable in a constitutional democracy, stressing that no politician, candidate, political party or individual had the right to dictate to voters who they must support at the ballot box.

According to the NLS, threats of violence, harassment, economic pressure, coercion or any other unlawful means of influencing voters undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

It expressed particular concern over reports and allegations of political actors threatening citizens with violence, loss, victimisation or other consequences because of their preferred political choices.

The society said such conduct, if established, could amount to serious electoral offences under Nigerian law.

It cited Sections 97 and 130–132 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibit various forms of voter intimidation, undue influence, threats, violence and coercion.

The NLS noted that Section 132 criminalises threatening conduct, including the use or threatened use of force, violence or restraint, as well as threats of injury, damage, harm or loss aimed at compelling a person to vote or refrain from voting.

It added that a person convicted under the provision could face a fine of N2 million or three years’ imprisonment.

The society therefore urged political parties, candidates, political leaders and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and with respect for citizens' democratic rights.

It maintained that political contests should be won through persuasion, debate and credible programmes rather than threats, violence or intimidation.

NLS Urges Police, Security Agencies to Act
The NLS specifically called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to take all credible complaints of voter intimidation, threats, violence and coercion seriously.

It urged the agencies to immediately investigate allegations, apprehend and prosecute perpetrators where evidence establishes culpability, irrespective of their political status, influence or party affiliation.

The society also called for impartial and professional investigations, adequate security for vulnerable communities, voters, candidates and electoral officials, as well as preventive measures against individuals or groups capable of disrupting peaceful elections.

It further warned security agencies against allowing themselves to be used as instruments for intimidating citizens or suppressing legitimate political participation.

The NLS also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that voters can access polling units and cast their ballots freely and securely.

‘Do Not Surrender Your Democratic Rights’
The society appealed to eligible voters not to surrender their democratic rights to fear, intimidation or political pressure.

It encouraged citizens to report credible threats, violence, intimidation and other electoral offences to the appropriate authorities and preserve available evidence that could assist investigations.

The NLS stressed that democracy could not thrive in an environment where citizens were afraid to express their political preferences.
“No Nigerian should be intimidated into surrendering his or her vote. The choice belongs to the voter. The law must protect that choice,” the society declared.

It reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law, constitutional democracy, free and fair elections and the fundamental democratic rights of Nigerians.