CHRAN urges less militarised elections after Osun poll

Nkereuwem Effiong

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called for a less militarised approach to election security, saying Nigeria must begin preparing for a more sustainable model ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group made the call in its assessment of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, which it described as largely credible, while commending President Bola Tinubu for what it termed his neutral posture throughout the electoral process.

CHRAN said the conduct of political actors and the deployment of technology by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offered useful lessons for future elections.

It urged politicians to respect electoral rules, arguing that adherence to established procedures remained critical to ensuring that election outcomes were accepted by contestants and their supporters.

The organisation also praised INEC for what it described as its neutrality during the Osun poll, particularly its use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing portal.

It called on the electoral commission to preserve and strengthen those standards as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.

However, CHRAN expressed concern over the deployment of more than 15,000 police officers for the Osun election, arguing that such a security-heavy model would be difficult to replicate when voters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory participate in the 2027 elections.

“While we appreciate the need for adequate security, it is high time Nigeria began moving away from the heavy militarisation of polling units,” the organisation said.

It argued that peaceful elections should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of security agencies, but as a shared civic obligation involving citizens, political parties and communities.

CHRAN said greater community ownership and responsible conduct by political actors could reduce the need for overwhelming security deployments at polling centres.

The organisation also congratulated the people of Osun State and expressed hope that the lessons from the election would inform the conduct of credible and peaceful elections across the country in 2027.

The statement was signed by Otuekong Franklyn Isong, Director, and Comrade Etimbuk Ekpenyong, Secretary, Research and Documentation, and dated August 17, 2026.