This post has already been read 229 times!

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to move beyond invitations and public warnings and take decisive legal action against politicians and public officials accused of making inflammatory statements capable of inciting political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group specifically demanded an update on the cases involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District; Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Abuja, Samuel Shekwolo; and Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said the continued absence of clear information on investigations and possible prosecutions in the three cases had raised concerns about the enforcement of Nigeria’s electoral and criminal laws.

According to the organisation, repeated warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies against threats, intimidation and inflammatory political rhetoric would have limited impact if alleged offenders were not investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence existed.

“HURIWA says action speaks louder than words. If incitement is a criminal offence, the law must apply equally to everybody, regardless of political party, position or influence,” the statement said.

Fadahunsi Case

HURIWA recalled that a video circulated shortly before the August 15 governorship election in Osun State in which Senator Fadahunsi allegedly called on supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to retaliate against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa.

The association said the senator was subsequently invited by the police following public concerns over the statement.

It, however, questioned whether the invitation had resulted in a formal investigation, prosecution or any other lawful action.

HURIWA argued that a police invitation should not become a substitute for prosecution if investigations establish that an offence was committed.

It also maintained that any subsequent explanation or denial attributed to the senator should not prevent law enforcement authorities from independently establishing the facts surrounding the alleged statement.

Shekwolo Case

The association also expressed concern over the case involving Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Shekwolo, who it said was captured in a widely circulated video reportedly threatening residents who did not support the APC.

HURIWA recalled that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) subsequently called for his arrest and prosecution, describing the alleged conduct as intimidation and an assault on constitutional and democratic principles.

The human rights group consequently demanded that the police explain the current status of the matter and disclose whether any prosecution had commenced.

It stressed that citizens must be free to support political parties and candidates of their choice without fear of expulsion, intimidation or punishment.

Buba Case

HURIWA further called for investigation into statements attributed to Borno State Commissioner Sainna Buba.

According to the association, Buba was captured in a circulating video making statements that appeared to threaten opposition supporters with punishment if they refused to support the APC.

HURIWA said that if the statements were established to have been made as alleged, the commissioner should be subjected to appropriate investigation under the relevant laws.

The organisation stressed that holding public office could not confer immunity from accountability for statements or conduct that potentially violated the law.

‘Warnings Without Action’

HURIWA said it was concerned that security agencies continued to issue warnings against political incitement while Nigerians were yet to see sufficient evidence of prosecution in some high-profile cases.

The association noted that the police had publicly described incitement as a criminal offence and pledged to arrest and prosecute persons whose statements threatened public peace.

It therefore challenged the police to demonstrate through concrete action that its warnings applied equally to all political actors.

“HURIWA says Nigerians should not be left with the impression that political affiliation determines who is investigated, arrested or prosecuted,” the statement added.

The organisation also warned that apologies, denials or attempts to reinterpret controversial statements should not automatically terminate investigations.

Rather, it said, the police had a responsibility to investigate allegations objectively, determine whether an offence had been committed and prosecute where the evidence supported such action.

No Immunity For Political Incitement

HURIWA called on INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Peace Committee to respond decisively to political statements capable of undermining peaceful participation in the 2027 elections.

It warned that selective enforcement of electoral laws could create a dangerous perception that political connections or influence offered protection from accountability.

The association also urged political parties to discipline members whose public statements threatened peaceful political participation.

‘2027 Must Not Become A Battlefield’

HURIWA said the 2027 general elections must not degenerate into a contest characterised by threats, intimidation and violence.

It urged security agencies to intervene before inflammatory political rhetoric translated into physical attacks and loss of lives.

According to the group, Nigerians have a constitutional right to choose their leaders freely and without fear, coercion or intimidation.

HURIWA consequently demanded that the Nigeria Police Force publicly disclose the status of investigations involving Fadahunsi, Shekwolo and Buba and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

The association further urged security agencies to monitor political actors across party lines whose statements could threaten peaceful elections.

It maintained that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy would be tested not only at the ballot box but also by the willingness of state institutions to enforce the law “without fear or favour.”