HURIWA raises alarm over partisan security role, seeks INEC Chairman’s sack

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria) has issued a strong warning to security agencies in the country, urging them to remain strictly neutral and avoid any form of partisan political engagement ahead of future elections.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group cautioned that any deviation from constitutional duties by security institutions poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.

HURIWA expressed concern over what it described as growing indications of security operatives becoming involved in political processes, particularly matters involving opposition parties.

It stressed that agencies such as the police and other security services are constitutionally empowered to protect lives and property, not to serve as tools of political influence, intimidation, or manipulation.

The association warned that any officer or agency found to be acting in support of partisan interests would be held accountable under the law, adding that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic system depends on the neutrality of its security architecture.

In a related demand, HURIWA called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, over what it described as an escalating crisis of confidence in his leadership.

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The group alleged that the electoral body’s credibility had been weakened by claims of bias, inconsistency, and perceived interference in internal party affairs. It warned that Nigeria risked entering the 2027 general elections under conditions of widespread distrust if urgent corrective steps were not taken.

“HURIWA unequivocally demands the immediate stepping aside of the INEC Chairman to restore public confidence in the electoral process. The sanctity of elections must not be jeopardised by questions surrounding the neutrality of the umpire,” the group stated.

The rights group also criticised what it described as an unjustifiable delay by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in hearing the appeal filed by the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark.

HURIWA said the delay has created uncertainty within the political space and raised concerns about timely access to justice, warning that prolonged judicial processes could undermine democratic participation and stability.

“The continued delay in hearing this critical appeal is unacceptable. Justice delayed, in this instance, is justice denied—not just to the parties involved, but to the democratic process itself,” the group stated.

It urged the apex court to expedite action on the matter, citing the urgency and far-reaching implications of the dispute for political stability and electoral integrity.

HURIWA further warned that Nigeria stands at a critical democratic crossroads, stressing that any perceived alignment of security agencies, electoral bodies, or the judiciary with partisan interests could erode public trust and weaken the country’s democratic foundations.

The association called on all state institutions to operate strictly within constitutional limits, uphold neutrality, and prioritise national interest above political considerations.