The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to emulate the transparent conduct of ongoing local council elections in the United Kingdom, warning the electoral body against using insecurity as a distraction from concerns over credibility and neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the orderly conduct of the UK local government elections, where results are electronically transmitted and announced promptly at polling units, offers a practical model for Nigeria’s electoral system.
The group noted that political parties in Britain, including the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Reform Party, Green Party and Liberal Democrats, have largely expressed satisfaction with the process, which it described as transparent, accountable and credible.
According to HURIWA, Nigerians expect INEC to institutionalise similar reforms capable of guaranteeing free, fair and verifiable elections in 2027.
The association faulted what it described as repeated attempts by INEC to blame insecurity as the major threat to credible elections, insisting that public distrust in the electoral umpire itself constitutes a greater danger to democracy.
HURIWA said many Nigerians were increasingly worried about the perceived closeness of the INEC Chairman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling APC, arguing that such perceptions had deepened fears over the commission’s neutrality.
The rights group stated that elections are built on public trust and warned that doubts surrounding the independence of INEC could undermine voter participation and confidence in the electoral process.
It challenged the INEC leadership to demonstrate competence, courage, neutrality and professionalism capable of delivering elections that meet both local and international standards.
HURIWA also urged security agencies to remain neutral and focus on providing adequate protection for campaigns, rallies and elections across the country without intimidation or selective deployment against opposition parties.
The association warned that any security chief unable to guarantee a safe electoral environment should be removed in the national interest.
It maintained that Nigeria’s democracy could only survive through transparent and credible elections that genuinely reflect the will of the people.
The group therefore called on INEC to prioritise practical reforms and confidence-building measures that would reassure Nigerians that their votes would count in the 2027 elections.
HURIWA to INEC: Learn Transparency Lessons From UK Local Elections
