As Lagos State prepares for its local government elections scheduled for tomorrow, the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (HRJN) has called on authorities and stakeholders to ensure the safety of journalists, protection of human rights, and the creation of a secure electoral environment for all participants.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Executive Director, Kehinde Adegboyega, HRJN emphasized that the right to vote, freedom of expression, and access to accurate information are fundamental pillars of democracy that must be upheld during the polls.
“Journalists on election duty are not adversaries they are watchdogs of accountability and transparency,” Adegboyega stated, warning against any acts of harassment, censorship, or physical assault directed at media practitioners and independent observers covering the elections.
The organization expressed concern over recurring incidents of political violence, suppression of dissent, and restricted civic space often associated with subnational elections.
It urged the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), security agencies, political parties, and civil society groups to ensure respect for citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, and personal security across all polling units and collation centers.
Highlighting the vulnerability of certain groups during elections, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, HRJN called on LASIEC and law enforcement agencies to provide adequate protection for voters and ad-hoc electoral staff, particularly in politically sensitive areas. The organization stressed that security measures must be non-partisan and rights-respecting.
The group also urged authorities to be vigilant in the post-election period, which it noted is often marred by violence, misinformation, and human rights abuses.
HRJN called for swift deployment of peace messaging and conflict-prevention mechanisms, insisting that perpetrators of election-related violence or human rights violations must be investigated and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation.
HRJN affirmed its commitment to monitoring developments during the elections and documenting any threats to press freedom, voter rights, or electoral integrity.
“We encourage the people of Lagos to come out peacefully and exercise their democratic rights without fear. Democracy at the local level is the foundation of national progress, and every vote must count,” Adegboyega said.
The Lagos local government elections are expected to see thousands of voters heading to the polls across the state, amid heightened calls for transparency and security.