**Warns of 2027 Election Manipulation
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of politicising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as its new chairman.
In a statement issued by National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in Abuja on Saturday, the rights group described the appointment as a “strategic political move” aimed at tightening control over the 2027 general elections in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
HURIWA alleged that Prof. Amupitan, a Kogi-born legal scholar, was “handpicked to serve partisan interests” and warned that his emergence could erode public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“This appointment is not about competence but control,” HURIWA said. “President Tinubu, desperate to remain in power, has chosen an ally who will do his bidding. It is left for Prof. Amupitan to prove otherwise.”
The association cautioned that without urgent amendments to the Electoral Act mandating the use of the BVAS and IReV systems by law, the 2027 polls risk being manipulated.
It recalled that the 2023 presidential election was marred by irregularities, noting that only elections where electronic accreditation and result transmission were used “reflected true voter choices.”
HURIWA further condemned the growing defection of opposition politicians to the APC, alleging that fear of prosecution by anti-graft agencies under presidential influence was driving the trend.
“Many public officials now see the APC as a sanctuary from prosecution — a dangerous signal for democracy,” the statement read.
The group also cited the early appearance of 2027 campaign billboards for Tinubu nationwide as “proof of a lawless and premature campaign culture” driven by desperation to retain power.
HURIWA urged Prof. Amupitan to prove his independence, warning that a compromised INEC could trigger post-election instability.
“If this president continues to interfere with INEC’s independence, and the 2027 elections are manipulated, Nigeria risks widespread unrest,” it said.