The Coalition of Election Observer Groups has strongly condemned the assault on one of its members, Destiny Enabulele, during the August 16 by-election in Edo State, calling for an urgent investigation into the incident.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the coalition’s Secretary-General, Benedict Okpara, described the attack as “unprovoked and dehumanising,” stressing that it violated Enabulele’s constitutional rights.
Enabulele, a civic leader and former President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations in Edo, was reportedly attacked alongside two aides at Ozolua Model Primary School, Ward 1, Unit 1 in Iguobazuwa, while attempting to cast his vote. The victims sustained multiple injuries and were robbed of personal belongings, including phones, ATM cards, shoes, and voter cards.
Okpara said the assault went beyond targeting an individual, warning that it amounted to voter intimidation and an attempt to discredit the democratic process. He added that the attack raised serious concerns about the credibility of the election.
The coalition urged the police and other security agencies to launch a transparent investigation, prosecute the perpetrators, and protect eyewitnesses willing to testify.
Okpara also cautioned that unchecked electoral violence could fuel greater political unrest, reaffirming the coalition’s commitment to democracy, transparency, and the rule of law.