This development came following the alleged directive by the Governor Dave Umahi administration, which led to the assault of members of the Labour Party (LP), who were tear-gassed by police officers during a peaceful rally in September.

 

In a statement on Sunday, SERAP told President Muhammadu Buhari and governors to allow freedom of expression, assembly, and equal participation during campaigns.

 

The organization advised Buhari to publicly instruct the police to protect the right of every Nigerian to take part in the political process.

 

SERAP also urged the President to ensure that the police is not used by governors to target supporters of opposition parties and those holding differing views.

 

The rights body expressed concern about the complaints of lack of a level playing field in some states.

 

Deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare stressed that participation in electoral processes, via rallies and meetings, were “part and parcel of any system of representative government”.

 

His letter to Buhari vowed that SERAP would monitor how authorities protect fundamental rights ahead of the 2023 elections, adding that;

 

“Respecting the rights of everyone to speak/gather would ensure that citizens can effectively contribute to the country’s democracy.”