The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly to learn from the United States midterm elections by strengthening electoral transparency ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The association said the reported victories by Democratic candidates and the shift in control of both chambers of the US Congress demonstrated the importance of credible elections in determining political leadership.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, said Nigeria must move away from an electoral system characterised by disputed results, allegations of manipulation and prolonged court battles.
He called on the National Assembly to strengthen the Electoral Act by making electronic transmission of results mandatory and ensuring real-time public access to polling-unit results.
According to HURIWA, transparent transmission of results would reduce opportunities for manipulation and strengthen public confidence in declared outcomes.
The group also urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and other electoral officials to ensure that the January 2027 elections are free, fair, credible and peaceful.
HURIWA warned that any attempt to manipulate the elections could trigger political instability, deepen public distrust and threaten Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
It also cautioned President Bola Tinubu and the ruling political establishment against interference in the electoral process.
The association maintained that political interests must not override the electorate’s constitutional right to choose its leaders.
It said Nigeria could not afford another electoral crisis, insisting that the credibility of the 2027 elections must not be undermined by institutional failures or opaque result-management procedures.
HURIWA stressed that the ballot must remain sovereign and called on all stakeholders to take urgent steps to protect the country’s democracy.