Amnesty International on Tuesday called on security agencies and the Nigerian government at all levels to be neutral and protect the rights of the Osun State people to vote freely in Saturday’s governorship election, amid escalating violence in the lead-up to the poll. “The authorities at all levels and security agencies must stand neutral and not engage in any act that may or can be perceived to favour any political party or candidate. The right of the people of Osun State to vote freely and fairly in an atmosphere of respect for human rights must be upheld.” The report identified 12 high-risk local government areas and called for targeted security operations and political interventions to prevent violence. Amnesty International also noted that it had received reports of violence, arrests of Osun government officials and alleged plans to “influence the elections.”