The Approaching STORM The Cost of Political Tension, Potential for Violence and Violence Cases in Ondo State.

#OndoDecides2020 Nigeria Election #WeCanDoBetter Violence Report Factsheet 4 www.vtrack.org Cases of Potential for Violence 59 between June - September 24, 2020

Cases of Violence Incidents 25 between June - September 23, 2020 Nigeria Election Violence Report / Factsheet 4 1

Introduction The Nigeria Election Violence Report (NEVR) Project led by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) with the support of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) tracked and documented potential for violence and violence cases ahead of the 10th October, 2020 Governorship election in Ondo state. This violence tracking initiative reveals that potential for violence in Ondo state is rising and many of the massive peace interventions to mitigate vio- lence before, during and after the governorship election are still absent. This is not far from the fact that Edo state governorship election naturally took away attention from all the happenings in Ondo State. Potential for violence Cases in Ondo State DATE POTENTIAL FOR VIOLENCE WHERE IT PV CATEGORY AFFECTED POTENTIAL HAPPENED INDIVIDUALS IMPACT

June 21, Ondo State Deputy Gov. prevented from leaving the govern- Government Intimidation and Mr. Agboola Ajayi, Tension 2020 ment house. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/head- House, Akure Harassment the state deputy lines/398771-ondo-2020-deputy-governor-barred-from-lea- Ondo state Governor. ving-govt-house-with-official-vehicle.html June 21, The Deputy Governor defection to PDP. https://www.premium- Ward 2, Apoi in Party Internal Crisis Political party Defection of deputy 2020 timesng.com/news/top-news/398814-updated-ondo-deputy-gov- Ese-Odo Local governor’s sup- ernor-dumps-apc-for-pdp.html Government porters Area of Ondo State. Intraparty brawl and rivalry 6th July Erstwhile SSG in Ondo State threatens to spit on the state gover- On Air (Crest Discriminatory Gov. Akeredolu Harassment nor if he lies against him again On air (interview with Crest FM FM) Akure, Speech Intimidation Ondo State) Hate Speech Gov. Akeredolu, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde Ondo state (formal Ondo State Government SSG) July 7, The deputy governor’s impeachment issue. https://www.premi- Ondo state Party Internal Crisis Mr. Alfred Ajayi, Tension 2020 umtimesng.com/news/more-news/401696-ondo-deputy-gover- House of As- the state deputy Defection of deputy nor-nine-lawmakers-dump-impeachment-plan-back-ajayi.html sembly, Akure Governor and 3 law governor’s sup- Ondo State makers who were porters suspended. 16th July Gov. Yahaya Bello called the most notorious and deadly votes Facebook Hate Speech Gov. Yahaya Bello Harassment robber by Mr. Yemi Akintomide, Director of Media and Com- munication for Mr. Jimi Odimayo, one of the APC governorship aspirants. https://rovingreporters.com.ng/2020/07/16/ondo-2020- apc-aspirant-attacks-yayaha-bello-says-kogi-gova-votes-robber/ July 10 Crisis rocks Ondo PDP over allegation of financial inducement Akure, Ondo Interparty crisis Political party Intraparty brawl of Ad Hoc delegate committee. https://www.24reports.com. State ng/2020/07/crisis-rocks-ondo-pdp-as-members.html

July 10 Another APC chieftain quits party in Ondo. https://punchng.com/ Ese-Odo LGA Interparty crisis Political party Mass defection of ondo-apc-chairman-dumps-party/ Ondo State other members

Intraparty rivalry

July 18 The choice of Agboola Ajayi as my Deputy was an error- Akeredo- Igbekebo, the Discriminatory Mr. Agboola Ajayi, Brawl within the lu. https://guardian.ng/news/i-made-a-wrong-choice-in-ajayi-as- headquarters of speech the state deputy cabinet and sup- deputy-says-akeredolu/ Ese-Odo LGA governor porters #OndoDecides2020 2

DATE POTENTIAL FOR VIOLENCE WHERE IT PV CATEGORY AFFECTED POTENTIAL HAPPENED INDIVIDUALS IMPACT

July 19 Ondo Deputy Governor replies Akeredolu, says he is Akure, Ondo Discriminatory speech Gov. Akeredolu Tension frustrated. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/07/on- State Brawl amidst the do-2020-im-not-responsible-for-your-failure-defected-depu- cabinet and citizen ty-replies-akeredolu/ August 12 Accord Party collapse its structure to pull its weight behind the Akure, Ondo Mass Defection Political party Intraparty rivalry PDP candidate in the upcoming October governorship election. State https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth- west/408550-ondo-2020-accord-party-collapses-structure-for- jegede.html August 10 The leadership of Zenith Labour Party pulls their weight Akure, Ondo Interparty crisis Political party Intraparty rivalry behind the re-election of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. https:// State thenationonlineng.net/ondo-2020-zlp-executives-declare-sup- port-for-akeredolu/ 29/07/2020 PDP political campaign/ defection Igarra, Ondo Defection from APC Tension. state to PDP

12/08/2020 Accord Party collapse its structure to pull its weight behind Akure, Ondo Mass Defection Political party Intraparty rivalry the PDP candidate in the upcoming October governorship State election. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth- west/408550-ondo-2020-accord-party-collapses-structure-for- jegede.html 20/08/2020 The decamping of some members of ZLP and PDP to APC in Ward 5 Ondo Mass Defection Political party Defection of party Ondo West Local Government Area of the state https://www. West members to another legit.ng/1358071-ondo-election-zlp-adp-members-defect-apc. party html Intraparty brawl and rivalry 20/08/2020 The alleged case of tearing of Jegede, PDP governorship Owo LG Destruction of Political party Tension candidates campaign posters in Owo LG Area which is Gov. property Akeredolu’s LGA. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ ssouth-west/409898-ondo-2020-jegede-16accuses-akeredolu-of- blocking-billboards-posters.html 21/08/2020 We will use thugs to rig Ondo election says Kekemeke, the Akure, Ondo Hate Speech Political party Tension and Voter former APC Chairman in Ondo State https://www.starnews. State Apathy com.ng/we-will-use-thugs-to-rig-ondo-election-says-kekemeke- in-a-leaked-video/ 22/08/2020 In Ese Odo LGA, election materials for the local government Ese Odo LGA, Election Materials Citizen/Voters Tension and voting election in APO I ward1 was hijacked and taken to unknown Ondo State Snatching activity disrupted location by Akinwunmi Sowore former caretaker chairman of Ese-Odo. 22/08/2020 In Akure North A, Ward 5 unit 8 armed Thugs destroyed ballot Akure North Destruction of Ballot Citizen/Voters Tension and voting boxes and blocked the roads during the LGA election. Box activity disrupted

22/08/2020 Hijacked of ballot boxes by Honourable Saka Yusuf, the Com- Akure North Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/Voters Tension and Voting missioner for Works with his ordaleys and thugs at unit 4 ward 6 activity disrupted during the LGA election. 22/08/2020 Late arrival of election materials at Akunu Akoko in Akoko Akoko North Late Arrival of Elec- Citizen/Voters Voter Apathy, Noth East LGA. As at 11:51am election materials were nowhere East tion Materials Tension, Voter to be found and the election was rescheduled to 1:00pm. Agitation

22/08/2020 Ballot boxes were snatched and scattered at Korowa Akoko in Akoko South Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/Voters Tension and dis- Oka Akoko Community. West ruption of Voting process 22/08/2020 As at 10:24am, election materials were not available at Ileoluji Ileoluji/Okeig- Late Arrival of Elec- Citizen/Voters Voter Apathy, ward 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 while voters were waiting to perform their bo LGA tion Materials Tension, Voter franchise. Agitation 22/08/2020 As at 10:50am, Okeigbo LG voting units were rowdy as ballot Ileoluji/Okeig- Insufficient Election Citizen/Voters Voter Apathy, papers are not being released to Adhoc staff by the election bo LGA Materials Tension, Voter officer due insufficient election materials taken to the LGA. Agitation Nigeria Election Violence Report / Factsheet 4 3

DATE POTENTIAL FOR VIOLENCE WHERE IT PV CATEGORY AFFECTED POTENTIAL HAPPENED INDIVIDUALS IMPACT

22/08/2020 At Ileoluji, the voting process was concluded early around Ondo East Disruption of Voting citizen/Voters/ Tension and Agi- 1:07pm due to disruption by Okeigbo ADC supporters activity Elections officials tation as a result of no election at Oke-igbo. The security official together with ODIEC officials escaped from the scene. 22/08/2020 Snatching of ballot boxes at Olufemisoro, General road in Ondo East Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/ Voters Tension and Voting Ondo East activity disrupted

22/08/2020 Snatching of ballot paper at Ota Osan, Ondo East LGA Ondo East Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/ Voters Tension and dis- ruption of Voting process 22/08/2020 Snatching of ballot box by unidentified political thugs at Igbo Ondo East Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/ Voters Tension and dis- oOa ward 1 unit 3. ruption of Voting process

22/08/2020 Snatching of ballot boxes in Igba community Ondo East Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/ Voters Tension and dis- ruption of Voting process

22/08/2020 Snatching of ballot box at Bolorunduro Ondo East by APC Ondo East Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/ Voters Tension and dis- political thugs. ruption of Voting process

22/08/2020 Sporadic shooting by APC political thugs shoots to chase vot- Ondo East Election Rigging Citizen/ Voters Tension and Threat ers at Fagbo/ Tepo Area and thumb printed the ballot papers to Voter’s right themselves in the presence of security officials.

22/08/2020 Akereja Kehinde, the ADC councillorship candidate in ward Ifedore Defection Political party Disruption of 3 igbara oke II stepped down and joins APC during the Election process and election process. Voter Apathy

22/08/2020 Vote Buying at ilu-titun ward 1 Okitipupa LGA Okitipupa Vote Buying Citizen/ Voters Threat to Voters’ right

22/08/2020 At Ikoya ward 6, unit 005, AAC political thugs disrupted the Okitipupa Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/ Voters Tension and dis- election process and snatched ballot boxes. ruption of Voting process 22/08/2020 Snatching of Ballot box in ward 8 unit 15 in Ondo town. Ondo West Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/ Voters Tension and dis- ruption of Voting process

22/08/2020 In Unit 1 ward 1, In Ondo west LGA, Ballot boxes were hi- Ondo West Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/ Voters Tension and dis- jacked by hoodlums led by APC councillorship candidate ruption of Voting process

22/08/2020 Snatching and Scattering of Ballot boxes in Oke Agula ward 9 Ondo West Ballot Box Snatching Citizen/ Voters Tension and dis- by the APC thugs. ruption of Voting process 22/08/2020 Late Arrival of Electoral officers at Tanimowo in Ugbe Akoko Akoko North Late commencement Citizen/ Voters Low voters turn out P.U11 Ugbe ward2 East of election

22/08/2020 In Oke Aro Ward 8, Unit 4 arguments ensue between SDP Akure South Harassment/ Intimi- Citizen/ Voters Disruption of Elec- and APC party agents which resulted into a fight, thereby dation tion Process disrupting the voting process. No security personnel was available as at the time of the argument

22/08/2020 Political Thugs disrupted the election at Idogun, Ose local Ose LGA Disruption by party Citizen/ Voters Disruption of Elec- government area. thugs tion Process

22/08/2020 Hijacking of Election Materials at Oge Okeagbe Akoko Akoko North Hijacking of Election Citizen/ Voters Tension/ No Elec- West Materials tion Conducted #OndoDecides2020 4

DATE POTENTIAL FOR VIOLENCE WHERE IT PV CATEGORY AFFECTED POTENTIAL HAPPENED INDIVIDUALS IMPACT

28/08/2020 Jimoh Ibrahim defects to APC from PDP. On 28th Au- Okitipupa Defection/ Interparty Political Party Intraparty rivalry gust 2020, Nigerian businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim officially crisis dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Ibrahim was presented with APC membership card in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, said that he defected to the APC to work for Mr Akeredolu’s re-election bid. Mr Ibra- him also donated 20 Kia Picanto cars to Governor Oluwaroti- mi Akeredolu, the APC candidate toward his re-election cam- paign. Mr Akeredolu, while receiving Mr Ibrahim to APC, lauded him for joining the APC and donating the campaign vehicles at the crucial time. 05/09/2020 PDP supporter incants with charm. Incitement Party Supporter Tension A PDP supporter was seen inciting the public with charm to protect the PDP gubernatorial candidate billboard. 05/09/2020 APC national leader during rally, slanders PDP. Akure Hate Speech Political Party Tension The All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters and mem- bers storm the Akure Township Stadium for the campaign flag-off of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who is seeking a sec- ond term in office. The National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said there is no way for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the October 10 election as the party is already dead and only waiting to be buried. https://thenationonlineng.net/ondo-2020-why-akeredolu-de- serves-re-election-by-tinubu-apc-governors/ 07/09/2020 Political thugs numbering over 100 were sighted at the main Akure South Intimidation Lawmakers and Tension gate of the Assembly complex with scores of their vehicles, citizens thereby causing panic in the area. Some lawmakers were alleged to be the target of the thugs. However, the men of the state police command were said to have prevented the hood- lums from entering into the complex. https://amiloaded.com/2020/09/breaking-politi- cal-thugs-lay-siege-to-ondo-assembly.html 07/09/2020 PDP member defects to ZLP ahead of guber polls. On 7th Akure South Internal Party Crisis/ Political Party Tension September 2020, Mr Banji Okunomo, a People’s Democratic Mass defection Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the 2020 Governorship Election in Ondo State, has resigned his membership from the party and planned defection to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) with no fewer than 15,000 members across the 18 local government areas. https://newsverge.com/2020/09/07/on- do-2020-pdp-governorship-aspirant-resigns/ 07/09/2020 Akeredolu insults Ajayi. On 7th September 2020, APC Gu- Arise TV Hate Speech Governorship Psychological effect bernatorial candidate, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu during a Candidate programme on Arise TV, in Akure, called ZLP gubernatorial candidate, Hon Agboola Ajayi a neophyte and a nincompoop who isnt qualified to be a governor of Ondo state. 09/09/2020 Ajayi criticizes Akeredolu. On 9th September 2020, Deputy Online Media Hate Speech Governorship Psychological effect Governor of Ondo State and governorship candidate of the Cnadidate Zenith Labour Party, Hon Agboola Ajayi responding to the insults rained on him by Gov Rotimi Akeredolu replied in a statement by his Media Adviser, Allen Sowore calling Akered- olu a fustrated man obvious of the rejection of his reelection bid and is notorious for having a loose tongue, fueled most times by Dutch courage. He further said the good people of Ondo State will now agree that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu SAN is undeserving of their mandate and votes and has prov- en beyond a reasonable doubt that he is a man/leader without character, who can only bring disgrace to Ondo State in the comity of states. https://amiloaded.com/2020/09/ondo-dep- uty-gov-ajayi-slams-akeredolu-for-calling-him-nincompoop. html Nigeria Election Violence Report / Factsheet 4 5

DATE POTENTIAL FOR VIOLENCE WHERE IT PV CATEGORY AFFECTED POTENTIAL HAPPENED INDIVIDUALS IMPACT

10/09/2020 ZLP thugs protest over death of ZLP member. On 10th Alade Market, Agitation Political Party Tension September 2020, ZLP thugs troop out with axes and cutlasses Idanre Supporters at Starlight junction located at Alade Idanre to protest over death of ZLP member, TAYE KOROSA who was stabbed to death the previous day by APC thugs Thugs. ZLP thugs set tires ablaze at the roundabout. Meanwhile, Police have blocked entrances to Alade Idanre as today is Alade market day. 10/09/2020 Card Readers burns as fire guts INEC office. On 10th -Sep Akure Arson Electoral Manage- Suspected Fraud/ tember 2020, Over 5000 card readers were burnt at INEC ment Body Citizens can loss office in Akure. It was gathered that the fire was caused by an faith in the process electrical surge, and the office of the fire service close to the INEC headquarters could not help due to lack of water to put out the inferno early enough. https://www.premiumtimesng. com/news/headlines/413837-ondo-2020-over-5000-card- readers-burnt-in-fire-at-inec-office.html 10/09/2020 ZLP chairman pins death of member on APC. On 10th Online Media Incitement Political Party Tension September 2020, Mr. Ademehintoye Claudus, the Chairman of the ZLP in Idanre,alleged that the thugs who killed their member, Mr Taye were sponsored by APC who had been at- tacking members of the opposition parties in the Idanre com- munity. The chairman stated that APC is calling for war in the upcoming election. https://sunshinetruth.com.ng/2020/09/10/ panic-as-political-thugs-kill-zlp-supporter-in-ondo/ 11/09/2020 APC billboard destroyed by unknown men. On 11th Septem- Ojaoba, Akure, Destruction of Prop- Political Party Economic Loss/ ber 2020, APC billboard was destroyed by unknown men at Akure South erties Tension oja oba, Ondo state LGA

11/09/2020 APC smear PDP. On 11th September 2020, Olabode Richard Online Media Hate Speech Political Party Tension Olatunde, Spokesperson, Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organization accuses PDP of being a political party with an unenviable history of violence and thuggery in the state. https://sunshinetruth.com.ng/2020/09/11/campaign-flag-off- pdp-plot-to-destroy-our-billboards-posters-akeredolu/ 11/09/2020 Alleged Akeredolu thugs launches attack. On 11th Septem- Fiwasaye Area, Intimidation Citizen Tension/Psychologi- ber 2020, Alleged Akeredolu thugs blocked Mobil-Fiwasaye Akure, Akure cal effect roundabout shooting sporadically and threatening the peace South LGA of the people in the state 14/09/2020 Suspected political thugs destroys PDP and ZLP billboards. Akure, Akure Destruction of Prop- Political Party Economic Loss/ On 14th September 2020, suspected political thugs destroys South LGA erties Tension political Billboards belonging to the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) and that of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Agboola Ajayi in Akure. https:// www.starnews.com.ng/photos-thugs-destroying-ajayi- jegedes-posters-in-ondo/ 24/09/2020 ZLP plays the controversial audio clip by a journalist named Akoko North- Incitement Political party Psychological effect Kunle Ologundudu inciting APC’s Gubernatorial Candidate, West Governor Rotimi Akeredolu during their campaign rally in Oke agbe Akoko, Akoko North west Local Government Area. 22/09/2020 Akeredolu is a SCAM says Journalist. On 22nd September Online Hate Speech Governor Rotimi Psychological Effect 2020, A journalist Kunle Ologundudu circulated an audio clip Akeredolu on Potential Voter to the people of ondo. In the Audio clip he said ‘ Akeredolu is a thief,he is a scam and he is not qualified to be the governor’ he also admonished the people not to vote for him in the forth coming election cause they are only going to waste their vote. 17/09/2020 Senior Pastor of Awaiting the Second Coming of Christ Online Hate speech/ Incite- Citizen/ Voters Psychological effect Ministry, Adewale Giwa accuses APC gubernatorial Candi- ment on Potential Voter / date, Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu as a commando leading Tension Amotekun to terrorize the people of Ondo State. https://www. sabi-sabi.com/2020/09/17/ondo-election-igp-adamu-urged- to-take-action-against-gov-akeredolu/ #OndoDecides2020 6

DATE POTENTIAL FOR VIOLENCE WHERE IT PV CATEGORY AFFECTED POTENTIAL HAPPENED INDIVIDUALS IMPACT

15/09/2020 Ahead of the October 10 governorship election in Ondo state, Ifon, Ose LGA Intimidation Citizen/ Voters Tension seven suspected Political thugs arrested with firearms along Ikaro road, Ifon headquarters, Ose local government area. They were parading the town with a branded campaign ve- hicle of Eyitayo Jegede, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party for the Ondo governorship election. https://sunshine- truth.com.ng/2020/09/22/ondo-2020-court-remands-7-polit- ical-thugs-in-prison/ 22/09/2020 Suspected thugs of Zenith Labour Party destroys APC Cam- Alade Round- Destruction of Campaign materials Economic Loss/ paign Banners around Alade roundabout in Idanre about Idanre, Property Tension Idanre LGA

Verified Incidents of Electoral Violence in Ondo state DATE INCIDENCE OF VIOLENCE WHERE IT TYPE OF VICTIMS PERPETRA- IMPACT HAPPENED VIOLENCE TOR

21/06/2020 Hoodlums attacked political meeting at Ig- Igboroko Group clash/ People and APC faction Tension/ boroko , Owo local government , Owo LG Destruction of property supporter Economic and Ondo State properties. financial loss 20-07-2020 Journalist of the Nation Newspaper assaulted The dome, Physical harm/ One man(- Security Official Injury during APC primary election Igbatoro road torture journalist) attached to Akure Governor Yahaya Bello. 22-07-2020 Persons caught with thumb printed ballot papers Akure, Ondo Physical harm 2 persons Angry Mob 2 person of one of the governorship aspirant (Mr. Agboola State (male) injured Ajayi) beaten by angry mob 26-07-2020 Attack on students of OAUSTECH Okitipupa, Assault and OAUSTECH Party Supporters Persons injured Ondo State battery Students (Aketi Student support group) 18-08-2020 Group clash between APC and SDP Supporters Idanre local Group clash, 8 men and Unknown APC Campaign ac- ahead of local government election in Idanre LG government physical harm/ SDP cam- men. tivity disrupted area. torture and paign posters and injury. destruction of posters. 19-08-2020 Reprisal attack on APC supporters in Idanre. Idanre local Attempted SDP support- APC supporters Injury and Government murder, physical ers Economic/fi- Area. harm/torture nancial loss. and Destruction of property. 20-08-2020 Attack on ADC supporter by APC supporters in Ondo town. Physical harm/ ADC sup- APC supporters Economic/ Ondo town while going for campaign rally. torture, Destruc- porters and financial loss, tion of property property. Campaign activity dis- rupted. 22/08/2020 An argument and fight ensued due to unaccepta- Oba Akoko, Group Clash Both party Both party sup- Tension bility of election result by ADC party agent sup- Akoko South- supporter porter porters after the announcement of the election west result around 7:27pm in Oba Akoko. 22/08/2020 During the conduct of the LGA election at Oke-Agunla Group Clash Voters Political thugs Persons injured Oke-Agunla Ward 9, Voters had a clash with po- Ward 9, Ondo and Tension litical thugs who attempted to steal the ballot box. West. DATE INCIDENCE OF VIOLENCE WHERE IT TYPE OF VICTIMS PERPETRA- IMPACT HAPPENED VIOLENCE TOR

22/08/2020 An argument ensued between SDP and APC Oke Aro, Group Clash Political Par- Political Party Tension Party agents in Oke Aro ward 8 unit 4 of Akure Akure South ty Supporter Supporter North which resulted into a fight, thereby dis- rupted the voting process, and no security per- sonnel was on ground to mitigate the incidence. 22/08/2020 At Igboba ward 5, unit 6, a fight ensued which Igboba, Akure Group Clash Political par- Political party Disruption of lead to the youth of the community beating North ty supporter supporter and Vote counting themselves with charm and denied the electoral and commu- community process and officials access to count the votes. nity youth youth Tension 22/08/2020 During the LG election at Ijare, a group clash Ijare, Ifedore Group Clash Political par- Political party Tension between party supporters ensued. ty supporters supporters 22/08/2020 At Ilara Mokin, Ifedore LGA, the local gov- Ilara-Mokin Group Clash Political par- Political party Tension ernment election was marred with ballot box Ifedore LG ty supporters supporters snatching and political party group clashes

22/08/2020 Destruction of election materials and the vehicle Ese Odo LG, Destruction of unknown Election Mate- Several persons carrying the materials for APOI ward 2 in Ese Ondo State property/ Physi- persons rials and a bus/ injured, Voting Odo LG and a clash between the community cal harm Voters disrupted, youth and the thugs Voter Apathy and Tension 29/08/2020 On 29th August 2020, immediately after the visit Idanre, Idanre Physical Harm/ Party Sup- Political thugs Injury of the wife to Ondo PDP Gubernatorial candi- LGA Torture porters date, Mrs Jegede, to the party members of PDP in Idanre, APC thugs stormed the gathering and at- tacked them with axes, cutlasses and guns which left several people injured. 30-08-2020 People scampered for safety at United Primary Akoko South Physical harm/ Party Mem- Political thugs Economic / School Akungba town in Akoko South West Lo- West torture/Destruc- bers Financial Loss cal Government Area as thugs suddenly stormed tion of Property and Injury the venue as over 1,500 members of the ruling APC were planning to join the ZLP. Hon. Abio- dun Ogunbi, a former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly said they were thugs spon- sored by APC. The public address system hired to provide sound system was destroyed and some members of the ZLP sustained varying degrees of injuries. https://www.starnews.com.ng/thugs-in- vade-venue-as-1500-apc-members-plan-to-join- zlp-in-ondo/ 09-09-2020 On 9th September 2020, A ZLP member named Idanre, Idanre Murder Party Mem- Political Thugs Death TAYE KOROSA was attacked and stabbed to LGA ber death around 07:35pm by thugs of Alleged APC thugs. 11-09-2020 On 11th September 2020, APC thugs attacks a Italorun, Physical harm/ Party Sup- Political thugs Persons injured ZLP member in ltalorun ldanre. Idanre LGA torture porters

12-09-2020 Suspected political thugs kidnapped Mr Busayo Boluwaduro, Kidnap Chairman of Suspected politi- Olamigoke, the Chairman of the Zenith Labour Ondo East the Zenith cal thugs Party (ZLP) in Ondo East local government area Labour Party of Ondo state who was allegedly on his way to (ZLP) in Bolorunduro, the headquarters of Ondo East to Ondo East officially dump the ZLP for the ruling All Pro- local govern- gressive Congress (APC). https://www.starnews. ment area com.ng/suspected-thugs-kidnapped-party- chairman-who-plans-to-join-apc/ #OndoDecides2020 8

DATE INCIDENCE OF VIOLENCE WHERE IT TYPE OF VICTIMS PERPETRA- IMPACT HAPPENED VIOLENCE TOR

16-09-2020 Attack on PDP camapaign convoy by Alleged Oba Akoko, Attempted Mur- PDP’s Gu- Political Thugs Injury and Akeredolu thugs. On 16th September 2020, Akoko South der / Destruc- bernatorial Economic/fi- PDP’s Gubernatorial Candidate Mr Eyitayo tion of Property Candidate nancial loss. Jegede campaign vehicles were destroyed by Mr Eyitayo Alleged Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s thug at Jegede Oba Akoko, Akoko South west. https://www. campaign nairaland.com/6123365/thugs-attack-convoy- Convoy jegede-ondo 16-09-2020 Many injured as Alleged APC thugs disrupts Oba Akoko, Disruption of Party Sup- Political Thugs Campaign ac- PDP rally in Oba Akoko.https://sugarsplug. Akoko South campaign activ- porters tivity disrupt- com.ng/breaking-ondo-2020-eyitayo-jegede-at- ity and Physical ed/Injury tacked-in-ondo-state/ harm/torture

16/09/2020 Destruction of APC campaign vehicle by alleged Oba Akoko, Disruption of Party Sup- Political Thugs Injury and PDP thugs in Oba Akoko. https://www.dailysun- Akoko South- campaign activ- porters and Economic/fi- shinenews.com/pdp-thugs-attack-gov-akeredo- west ity and Physical APC convoy nancial loss. lu-convoy-in-oba-akoko-set-campaign-vehicle- harm/torture/ ablaze/ Destruction of Property 23/09/2020 APC thugs stormed the streets of Idanre with Idanre, Idanre Group Clash and Political Political thugs Persons injured cutlasses in search of ZLP thugs. The ZLP thugs LGA Physical harm/ Thugs and Tension found were beaten to a pulp before the police torture could rescue 22/09/2020 Five Suspected APC thugs attacked the campaign Mr. Agboola Intimidation, Private Political thugs Tension and office of the Deputy Governor and candidate of Ajayi Cam- Destruction of Property and Economic/ the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Hon Agboola paign office, property and Campaign financial loss Ajayi. The thugs shot sporadically into the air and Akure South destruction of Materials came in an APC branded vehicle, attacked the billboard. Secretariat, destroying the billboard and other valuables at the premises. https://www.starnews. com.ng/ajayis-campaign-secretariat-attacked- by-apc-thugs-says-dg/ 19-09-2020 Suspected APC thugs attacked Isikan community Isikan Intimidation, Campaign Political thugs Tension and at oyarubuleme junction, shooting in the air and Community, Destruction of Materials Economic/ destroying PDP posters. Akure South property and financial loss destruction of billboard. Nigeria Election Violence Report / Factsheet 4 9

Impact The rising political tension and electoral conflict a result of these occurrences, lives have been lost ranging from intimidation, destruction of cam- and could further be lost if political actors con- paign materials, group clash and murder in Ondo tinue to heat up the polity. Also, the forthcoming State shows that more need to be done by all rel- governorship election in Ondo state might expe- evant stakeholders to ensure a peaceful election rience high voter apathy or low voter turnout as in the 10th October, 2020. Hate speech and har- a result of the heightened tension. This could go assment is dominating political campaigns. This a long way in impacting the credibility and integ- has potential to incite political party supporters rity of the election process if mitigative steps are to fomenting trouble even before election day. As not taken to address the current trends.

Recommendations The current trend in Ondo state should be taken peaceful election. seriously by all relevant stakeholder. Stakehold- • INEC should partner with CSO/CBOs in ers should not relax due to the peaceful election Ondo state to amplify its voter education. witnessed in the just concluded Edo election. The This voter education exercise should also in- peaceful experience in Edo state cannot be dis- clude peace messaging. associated from the mitigative interventions and • INEC should plan effectively to avoid any lo- peace initiative by key actors and organizations. gistic challenges. Most Ondo state indigenes Ondo state needs adequate attention, such as the were resentful due to the late arrival of elec- focus and spotlight given to the elections in Edo tion materials in some wards at the local gov- State. ernment election. More so, it was perceived • Intense peace advocacy needs to be carried that many are still unable to distinguish the out by Civil Society Organizations to forestall electoral management body for the local gov- these potentials for violence which may esca- ernment elections SIECs from INEC late to incidents of violence. • The Election Security Control Centre should • Civil Society Organizations and Devel- be proactive in communications towards op-ment partners should start seeing capaci- having an appropriate and swift response ty development for political leaders on strate- team for intervention on issues of violence gic communication as necessary, this will aid pre, during and after elections, if any, erupt. campaigning to be issue-based instead of • The Election Security Control Centre should hate speech campaigns. popularize their dedicated hotlines for the • Political actors should also play by the rules elections to enable citizen reporting on issues and desist from heating the polity. of security during the elections. This would • Political parties and candidates should also enable useful information gathering that will embrace peace and preach peace to their fol- help mitigate issues of violence. lowers and supporters. • All stakeholders should intensify effort to • Citizens should be sensitized on the implica- mitigate electoral violence because of its ad- tions of vote buying on the development of verse effect on women and persons with dis- their communities abilities, as it hinders them from participat- • There is a need for INEC to engage key stake- ing actively in the electoral process. holders / actors to elicit their commitment to About NEVR

The Nigeria Election Violence Report (NEVR) is a project led by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) and supported by the International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) which is aimed at increasing awareness of and accountability for electoral violence through the Civil Society Organization (CSO) con- flict monitoring, public education and advocacy in Nigeria. It is a holistic, human-centered approach to support local partners on their efforts to monitor, mitigate and share information on electoral violence in other to provide an impartial voice on electoral violence through citizen observation with the ultimate goal of ending the menace of electoral violence by documenting and publishing disaggregated electoral vio- lence data. It approaches electoral violence by quantifying it through in-depth research and data gathering from trained monitors and citizen observers.

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