A Coalition of Nigerian Election Observer Groups has called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of culprits in August 16, 2025 bye-election violence in Ozolua, Ovia Federal Constituency of Edo state, where suspected supporters of a political party allegedly attacked Comrade Destiny Oghaywrio Enabulele.
In a press conference Wednesday in Abuja by the Secretary of the group, Mr. Benedict Okpara who condemned the attack on its member, described the it as mindless, unfortunate and a threat to Nigerian democracy.
Comrade Destiny Enabulele, the president of Conference of Non Governmental Organisations was allegedly attacked at his polling unit in Unit 1, ward 1, Ozolua model Primary school, Iguobazua at 9 am while trying to exercise his franchise.
The group noted that it had prior to the Edo bye-election alerted the security agencies of a premeditated plan by the All Progressive Congress, APC, in the state to cause mayhem before and during the election.
The observers group alleged that APC thugs attacked their member and two of his aides in the presence of other security agencies who were aloof while the attack lasted.
“We consider the unprovoked attack and dehumanization suffered by our member in the course of carryout his civic duty as a violation of his fundamental rights of franchise as enshrined and guaranteed under the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended
“The unfortunate events, strongly rooted in desperation at manipulating the electoral process, cast a serious doubt on the credibility of the polls.
“We demand that the police and other security authorities immediately carry out a thorough and unassailable investigation and publish their findings, while ensuring that perpetrators of the violence and brigandage that took place in Iguobazua and other places are brought to justice . Incedentally , it happened in the full glare of the public and there are eye- witness who can corroborate these serious acts of violence meted out to Comrade Destiny Enabulele and others.
“The over militarisation and manipulation of the electoral environment as witnessed in Edo during the bye- election, was a total breach of the provisions of the electoral act and an assault on voter’s rights to a free and transparent process.”