By Joyce Ekeh
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged President Bola Tinubu to match his call for peaceful elections with concrete action against alleged political thuggery, illegal possession of firearms and the activities of private armed groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rights group said presidential assurances against political violence would amount to empty rhetoric unless security agencies investigated and dismantled criminal networks allegedly linked to influential political actors.
In a press statement issued and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said Nigerians needed evidence of the government’s commitment to peaceful elections rather than repeated promises.
It argued that condemning political violence was not enough without confronting the structures, networks and political patronage systems allegedly sustaining it.
The association warned that the 2027 elections must not provide an opportunity for political warlords, armed loyalists and hired thugs to intimidate opponents, disrupt campaigns or undermine citizens’ constitutional right to participate in the electoral process.
While acknowledging the President’s declaration against political violence, HURIWA said the statement would remain unconvincing without investigations into allegations of politically motivated armed activities.
The group specifically called for an immediate and transparent investigation into allegations surrounding the possession of firearms and the operations of private armed groups allegedly associated with former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo?
It also mentioned Dokubo-Asari and Sunday Igboho, urging the relevant security and regulatory authorities to review applicable firearms licences, investigate the legality of weapons in their possession and revoke any licences found to have been obtained or retained unlawfully.
HURIWA expressed concern over allegations that individuals associated with such armed formations could be mobilised as political enforcers in Rivers State, Abuja and parts of the South-West ahead of the elections.
The association also demanded investigations into reported political boasts that the APC intended to win Rivers State by whatever means necessary, asking security agencies to establish the meaning and implications of such declarations.
It insisted that no political godfather, party leader or individual should be allowed to deploy armed men to intimidate opponents or undermine electoral competition.
The group said the President must demonstrate that political connections would not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution.
On the leadership crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), HURIWA called for compliance with relevant Court of Appeal and National Industrial Court judgments.
It said the legally recognised and elected leadership of the union should be allowed to assume its position in accordance with applicable court decisions.
The association warned against the alleged exploitation of transport union structures and motor park networks for political intimidation, noting that allegations had persisted over the recruitment of transport workers and informal groups to disrupt opposition activities and intimidate voters during elections.
It cautioned that the NURTW must not become a political recruitment platform for electoral violence or be subjected to political interference capable of undermining judicial decisions.
HURIWA also demanded a public apology over the President’s reported statement that “all is fair in politics”, describing the remark, if accurately reported, as dangerous in a country grappling with political intolerance and electoral violence.
“All is not fair in politics. There are constitutional boundaries, electoral laws and fundamental human rights that must never be sacrificed on the altar of political ambition,” the association said.
It maintained that political competition should not be treated as warfare, adding that opposition candidates and supporters of rival parties must be free to campaign without intimidation, harassment or physical attacks.
The group further called on the Nigeria Police Force to provide answers over the reported attack on Modupe Maren in Ekiti State.
It asked the police to disclose the progress of investigations, identify suspects and explain why those allegedly responsible had not been brought to justice.
HURIWA said unresolved attacks against political actors could embolden perpetrators and reinforce the perception that political connections offered protection from prosecution.
It urged the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that investigations into politically motivated attacks were transparent, professional and free from partisan interference.
The association called on Tinubu to ensure impartial investigations into allegations of private armed groups, enforce firearms regulations, respect court judgments and prosecute individuals found responsible for political violence.
It also urged security agencies to demonstrate allegiance to the Nigerian Constitution rather than the electoral interests of any political party.
The group insisted that the President’s commitment to peaceful elections must apply equally to the ruling APC and opposition parties.
“Nigeria is not a private estate belonging to any political party, and its security institutions must never become instruments of partisan warfare,” HURIWA said.
It added that Nigerians deserved elections in which votes, ideas and the freely expressed will of citizens determined political leadership, rather than guns, political godfathers and hired enforcers.
