HURIWA Raises Alarm Over Alleged Political Interference Ahead of 2027 Elections, Warns of Threat to Democracy

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has alleged what it describes as growing political interference and coordinated efforts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such developments could pose a threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group claimed that recent political realignments and internal tensions within opposition parties reflect a “deliberate strategy” by powerful interests to destabilise alternative political platforms before the next general election.

HURIWA specifically pointed to alleged influence within the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that political actions being attributed to actors within the system could undermine democratic competition if left unchecked.

The group also raised concerns about the role of the Office of the Chief of Staff, headed by Femi Gbajabiamila, alleging that it is being referenced in political discussions as a possible coordination point for managing internal fractures within opposition parties. It stressed that such claims, if proven, would represent a dangerous encroachment on democratic processes.

According to HURIWA, “what is unfolding is not normal political competition but a structured effort to weaken opposition platforms from within, reduce credible alternatives, and influence electoral outcomes.”

Concerns Over Opposition Parties and Electoral Institutions

The rights group also expressed concern over what it described as attempts to frustrate emerging political formations, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that all party registration and recognition processes must remain strictly within the constitutional mandate of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

HURIWA further referenced ongoing political realignments involving prominent opposition figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, warning against any attempt—direct or indirect—to limit their participation in the democratic process.

It cautioned that undermining opposition participation could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and weaken democratic accountability.

Judiciary and Electoral Body Under Watch

The association also raised concerns over what it termed the “judicialisation of political disputes,” warning that courts must not become tools for partisan advantage or political engineering.

It urged INEC to maintain strict neutrality, insisting that its credibility remains central to the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

Call for International Attention and Civic Vigilance

HURIWA called on international partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, to closely monitor Nigeria’s political environment ahead of the elections, warning that any weakening of democratic safeguards could have broader regional implications.

“The world must not look away while democratic space is quietly being narrowed,” the statement said.

The group further urged Nigerians across political and ethnic divides to remain vigilant and actively defend democratic institutions, stressing that democracy is only sustained when citizens resist institutional abuse and political manipulation.

Warning on Democratic Stability

HURIWA concluded by warning that continued weakening of opposition structures and perceived institutional interference could reduce elections to mere formalities rather than genuine democratic choices.

“When opposition is systematically weakened and institutions are compromised, elections become rituals not choices,” the statement warned.