The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is calling for immediate accountability from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after controversial remarks by Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister.
Wike claimed he will deliver Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, referring to himself as the “general commander” of the political arena.
In a media briefing, Wike stated, “You don’t need a governor to be in charge. In Rivers, I’m in charge. So also the FCT.” These statements raise serious concerns about possible electoral manipulation and the integrity of the upcoming elections.
The national Cordinator of the human rights group, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko in a statement on Thursday expressed alarm over Wike’s confidence in achieving electoral success and questions INEC’s role as an unbiased overseer. The organization is demanding clarity on how INEC plans to ensure that election results reflect the voters’ will, not the ambitions of powerful politicians.
With the 2027 elections approaching, HURIWA stresseed that the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy hinges on public trust in INEC’s neutrality. The group insisted that credible elections must reassure citizens that no political figure can influence outcomes.
Wike’s comments have intensified public distrust in the electoral process, prompting HURIWA to urge INEC to implement transparency measures that rebuild confidence among voters.
The organization argued that the commission must act decisively to demonstrate that every vote will count and that the 2027 elections will be fair and transparent.
In light of past electoral controversies, HURIWA’s challenge to INEC underscored the essential need for integrity in Nigeria’s democratic process. As the country approaches this critical electoral period, stakeholders must prioritize transparency and uphold democratic principles.