By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised the alarm over what it described as a growing pattern of political intolerance, threats and alleged misuse of public institutions against opposition politicians and citizens ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rights group, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Wednesday, specifically called on Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, to desist from actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
HURIWA also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Security Adviser and Service Chiefs to closely monitor political developments and ensure that public institutions and security agencies are not used to intimidate opposition politicians or voters.
The organisation expressed particular concern over a widely circulated video in which Shekwolo was reportedly heard telling residents that they must support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the area council.
“I have said in my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing about it at all,” Shekwolo was quoted as saying.
HURIWA described the statement as dangerous, arguing that Shekwolo, as an elected public official, is responsible for residents with diverse political affiliations and cannot make access to government services or citizenship rights conditional on support for a political party.
The group said the appropriate authorities should summon the council chairman to explain the remarks and warn public officials against turning government institutions into instruments of political enforcement.
On developments in Imo State, HURIWA said it was concerned about alleged interference with the political activities of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency.
According to the group, a Federal Capital Territory High Court had issued an interim injunction restraining the Imo State Government, security agencies and chairmen of Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas from interfering with Ugochinyere’s rallies, meetings, campaigns and other civic activities.
HURIWA said the court order, issued in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/153/2026 and Motion No. M/481/2026, must be respected, stressing that political differences between Governor Uzodimma and Ugochinyere could not justify the use of government machinery or security agencies to frustrate lawful political activities.
The group also demanded clarification from Governor Otu over reported comments concerning opposition politicians in Cross River State, following allegations by the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, that the governor threatened to “crush” opposition politicians.
HURIWA said any language that could be interpreted as a threat against political opponents was unacceptable in a constitutional democracy and could encourage political violence.
The organisation also expressed concern over comments attributed to Wike following the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, particularly his assertion that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had wanted to win the election “at all costs”, he would have been involved and “we would have won it.”
HURIWA said the comments could create the impression that the machinery of the Federal Government could be deployed to influence electoral outcomes, stressing that government institutions and security agencies must remain politically neutral.
The group reminded governors, ministers, council chairmen and other political office holders that Nigeria’s democratic institutions belong to the people and not to any political party.
It called for a level playing field ahead of the 2027 elections, including the right of political parties and citizens to campaign peacefully, hold rallies and meetings, express political opinions, associate freely and vote without intimidation or coercion.
HURIWA further urged security agencies to investigate credible allegations of threats, intimidation and misuse of public institutions, insisting that no governor, minister or local government chairman should be above the law.
The organisation warned that the 2027 elections must not become a contest between opposition politicians and the coercive machinery of government, but should be determined through votes, persuasion, competence and the confidence of the electorate.
“HURIWA consequently calls on Governors Hope Uzodimma and Bassey Otu, Minister Nyesom Wike and Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo to publicly affirm their commitment to peaceful multiparty democracy and respect for the constitutional rights of every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation,” the statement said.
“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians—not to APC, PDP, ADC, Labour Party, Accord or any other political organisation.”
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