***Slams Supreme Court Delay
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has raised fresh concerns over what it describes as creeping political interference within Nigeria’s security architecture, warning that any erosion of neutrality could pose serious risks to the country’s democratic stability.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the group cautioned security agencies to remain strictly professional and avoid actions that could be interpreted as partisan, particularly in matters involving opposition political actors. It stressed that the constitutional duty of security operatives is to safeguard lives and property—not to influence political outcomes.
HURIWA warned that any deviation from this mandate would not only undermine public trust but also attract legal consequences for those involved.
Beyond security concerns, the association called for the immediate resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, citing what it termed a deepening credibility crisis within the electoral body.
According to the group, allegations of bias, inconsistency, and undue interference in party affairs have weakened confidence in INEC, raising fears about the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
“HURIWA believes that restoring trust in the electoral process requires urgent action, including the stepping aside of the current INEC leadership to allow for a more credible and transparent system,” the statement noted.
The group also took issue with delays at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, particularly in relation to an appeal involving the leadership of the African Democratic Congress under David Mark.
Describing the delay as both troubling and consequential, HURIWA said it has heightened uncertainty within the political environment and raised broader concerns about access to timely justice.
“Prolonged delays in matters of such national importance risk undermining confidence in the judiciary and the democratic process as a whole,” the group stated, urging the court to act with urgency.
HURIWA warned that Nigeria stands at a delicate moment, where the perceived alignment of key institutions—security agencies, the electoral body, or the judiciary—with partisan interests could have far-reaching consequences for governance and national cohesion.
It therefore called on all arms of government and state institutions to uphold the principles of neutrality, accountability, and rule of law, insisting that the protection of democracy must take precedence over political expediency.
The statement was signed by Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA.
