Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

1. Overview

According to their report on the 28 March 2015 and 11 April 2015 elections in Nigeria, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) states that the elections

were marred by incidents of violence, abuse of incumbency at state and federal levels, and attempts at manipulation. …[S]ystemic weaknesses leave the process vulnerable to abuse by political contenders. Procedural shortcomings were evident, in particular during collation and from analysis of polling unit results, however, no centralised systemic fraud was observed. (EU July 2015, 4)

A 12 April 2015 article in Vanguard, a Nigerian newspaper, similarly reports that "[v]iolence and voter apathy characterised the gubernational and National Assembly elections held across the country yesterday" (Vanguard 12 Apr. 2015). According to the EU report, "at least 30 people [were] killed" on election day, "predominantly from inter-party clashes and attacks on election sites, with problems being most pronounced in Rivers and Akwa Ibon states" (EU July 2015, 6). The source further states that

[s]ince the official launch of the presidential campaigns in early January the EU EOM noted reports of 114 election-related violent events with more than 157 persons killed, although the actual number of incidents and casualties is likely higher. Both PDP and APC were accused of deploying thugs to intimidate opponents and attack party rallies, convoys, members and offices. … There have been reports of at least 56 cases of shootings at rallies and convoys, polling units and voters; 19 cases of stoning/mob attacks on campaign convoys; 7 cases of bomb explosions at party offices; and 16 cases of destruction of vehicles, bill boards and other properties of parties. (EU July 2015, 20)

An April 2015 article in the Global Press Journal, published by the Global Press Institute, a Florida-based organization which aims to "create a more just and informed world by employing local women journalists to produce ethical, accurate news coverage from the world's least-covered places" (Global Press Institute n.d.), reports that "[a]s Nigeria gears up for a general election on March 28 many regions of the country are experiencing politically motivated violence. In two months, 58 people have died in the violence, according to the Nigerian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)" (Global Press Journal 20 Apr. 2015).

2. Incidents of Violence and Election Interference in Ogun State

A 2 March 2015 Vanguard article reports that the "re-election campaign of Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State turned bloody during his visit to Remo North Local Council of the state, when the supporters of the [APC] and [PDP] clashed leaving some people injured" (Vanguard 2 March 2015).

According to the April 2015 Vanguard article, in Ogun State, "there were reports of snatching of ballot boxes in various parts of the state" (Vanguard 12 Apr. 2015). The EU report indicates that the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) "'referred to 66 reports of violent incidents targeting polling units, INEC officials, voters and election material'," throughout Nigeria, including one incident in Ogun state (EU July 2015, 30). The report further explains that such incidences were

[p]redominantly…inter-party clashes and attacks on election sites by hoodlums, often involving ballot box and essential material snatching. Both the main parties [APC and PDP] made many accusations of rigging, intimidation and violence by opponents. (EU July 2015, 30)

The Guardian, an "independent [Nigerian] newspaper" (The Guardian n.d.), reported on 11 April 2015 that a "detachment of personnel from the various security agencies [arrived] yesterday [in] Ogun State ahead of today's Governorship and State House of Assembly election" and that

[t]his might not be unconnected with allegations and counter allegations by the two major political parties [APC and PDP] accusing each other of "importing" thugs into the State to disrupt today's election. … While the APC accused the PDP of "importing" thugs and cultists into the State to cause violence during the election, the PDP also accused the APC of [a] plot to use “State government vehicles and security personnel attached to the State Governor to hijack voting materials in the rural communities.” (The Guardian 11 Apr. 2015)

The EU report indicates that in Ogun state, EU EOM monitors "observed misuse of government vehicles and offices for campaign activities" as well as "inducements of voters (money payments, distribution of food and goods)" (EU July 2015, 20). The 12 April 2015 Vanguard article also states that a "fight broke out" at one ward in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, as APC agents accused the PDP of offering money to people queuing to vote (Vanguard 12 Apr. 2015). According to the same source the APC agent at the polling station "accused the PDP of attempting to disrupt the electoral process," after which security guards arrested a PDP agent ((Vanguard 12 Apr. 2015). Vanguard further reports that a "PDP former Chairman" of the Local Government Area "alleged that the "arrest was a ploy to silence PDP members at the polling unit" ((Vanguard 12 Apr. 2015)

Information on post-election violence in Ogun state could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

European Union (EU). July 2015. Election Observation Mission (EOM). Federal Republic of Nigeria: Final Report General Elections 28 March 2015, 11 April 2015. [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

Global Press Journal. 20 April 2015. Temitayo Olofinlua. "Death Toll in Pre-Election Violence Underscores Nigeria's Political Animosities." [Accessed 17 Feb. 2017]

Global Press Institute. N.d. "Mission." [Accessed 17 Feb. 2017]

The Guardian. 11 April 2015. Charles Coffie Gyamfi. "Heavy Security Presence in Ogun Ahead of Today's Election." [Accessed 13 Feb. 2017]

The Guardian. N.d. "About Us." [Accessed 14 Feb. 2017]

Vanguard. 12 April 2015. "Governorship Polls - 16 Killed as Apathy Mars Elections." [Accessed 13 Feb. 2017]

Vanguard. 2 March 2015. Daud Olatunji. "Violence in Ogun as APC, PDP Clash at Amosun's Campaign." [Accessed 14 Feb. 2017]

Additional Sources Consulted

Internet sites, including: Agence France Presse; Amnesty International; Brookings Institution; Council on Foreign Relations; ecoi.net; Factiva; Fund for Peace; Human Rights Watch; International Centre for Investigative Reporting – Nigeria; International Crisis Group; Nigeria – Independent National Electoral Commission, National Human Rights Commission; Nigeria Watch; United Nations – Refworld; United States – Department of State.