HURIWA Blasts APC Primaries, Warns Nigerians Against ‘2027 Democracy Hijack’

HURIWA Blasts APC Primaries, Warns Nigerians Against ‘2027 Democracy Hijack’The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has strongly condemned the ongoing primary elections of the ruling All Progressives Congress, describing the process as a dangerous sign of collapsing democratic culture and a threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on May 20, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group accused the APC of presiding over a flawed and chaotic primary process allegedly characterised by intimidation, manipulation, violence, fabricated results, suppression of delegates, and imposition of candidates.

HURIWA said the developments have severely damaged public confidence in the ruling party’s democratic credentials.

According to the organisation, the APC primaries revealed a political culture where power is allegedly secured through coercion and manipulation rather than competence, popularity, or democratic legitimacy.

The group argued that a political party unable to conduct credible internal elections lacks the moral authority to oversee or influence a transparent national electoral process in 2027.
HURIWA further warned that the controversies surrounding the APC primaries could become a “dangerous operational template” for the next general elections if Nigerians fail to resist alleged attempts to undermine democratic processes.

The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as a growing credibility crisis within the Independent National Electoral Commission, citing lingering public distrust linked to controversies from the 2023 presidential election and allegations of partisan conduct involving INEC official Kunle Ajayi Amupitan.

According to the rights group, Nigeria risks sliding into a deeper electoral crisis if confidence in democratic institutions is not restored through transparency and accountability.

HURIWA warned that the country could face serious consequences if future elections are marred by allegations of rigging, voter suppression, institutional compromise, abuse of state power, judicial manipulation, and security intimidation.

The group called on Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious divides to begin what it described as “peaceful democratic resistance” against any attempt to undermine the sovereignty of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

It urged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, monitor the electoral process, expose irregularities, organize within their communities, and lawfully defend their votes.
According to HURIWA, defending votes through constitutional and peaceful means remains a legitimate democratic right.

The organisation added that democracy gradually weakens when citizens remain silent in the face of political impunity and institutional manipulation.

It warned that the controversies surrounding the APC primaries should serve as a national warning sign about the potential dangers facing Nigeria’s democratic future if electoral integrity is not protected.