The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has launched a blistering attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of selectively obeying court orders and raising concerns over what it described as a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s democratic credibility.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the civil rights group questioned why INEC swiftly implemented judicial decisions relating to the leadership crisis within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) but has allegedly failed to take similar action regarding the leadership dispute in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
At the centre of the controversy is the status of Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, whom HURIWA insists should be recognised as the PDP’s Interim National Chairman following actions by the party’s Board of Trustees and judicial pronouncements it says support his emergence.
The association argued that INEC’s handling of the PDP matter contrasts sharply with its rapid compliance with court decisions affecting the SDP, including the recognition of Professor Umar Abubakar Gombe as the party’s national chairman.
HURIWA said the apparent disparity has fueled suspicions that the electoral umpire may not be applying the same legal standards to all political parties.
“It is difficult for objective observers to understand why court orders appear binding on INEC in one instance but not in another,” the group said, warning that such actions could damage public trust in the commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rights organisation also referenced a recent Court of Appeal ruling reportedly nullifying the March 29, 2026 PDP convention linked to a faction associated with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. According to HURIWA, the judgment invalidated the legal basis for the convention and should have prompted immediate adjustments by relevant institutions, including INEC.
The group further challenged the commission to publicly respond to allegations made by SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, who has repeatedly claimed that some state institutions are being manipulated to serve the political interests of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
HURIWA said INEC must demonstrate through its actions that it remains independent and committed to the rule of law rather than political considerations.
The association called on INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to provide a comprehensive explanation for what it described as the unequal treatment of court decisions affecting the SDP and PDP, warning that continued perceptions of bias could further erode confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The development is expected to intensify debate over the role of electoral institutions, judicial compliance, and the future of opposition politics as political stakeholders begin positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
