Odita Sunday 
2027: Nigeria Faces Democratic Erosion as Governors Tighten Grip on Party Structures — HURIWA
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has raised alarm over what it described as a growing threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that unchecked political control and institutional weakening could undermine representative governance.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the group’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, who said recent political developments suggest a coordinated internal assault on democracy.
Onwubiko alleged that a disturbing pattern is emerging across the country, characterised by the hijack of party structures, imposition of candidates, executive overreach and weakening of democratic institutions.
“Nigeria’s democracy is under coordinated and escalating attack—not from external forces, but from within the political system itself,” he stated.
According to him, the increasing dominance of state governors over party machinery at ward, local government and state levels poses a serious threat to credible electoral processes.
“At the centre of this crisis is the unrestrained power grab by governors, who are consolidating control over party structures and using them to determine candidates for the 2027 elections,” he said.
He warned that such practices could reduce the electorate to passive observers while political elites decide outcomes behind closed doors.
“This is not democracy. This is political colonization,” Onwubiko declared, adding that what is at stake is the survival of representative governance.
The group also expressed concern over what it described as the erosion of institutional independence, citing controversies surrounding electoral processes and declining public confidence.
“Electoral processes are increasingly mired in controversy, and political actors are undermining the rule of law when it does not serve their interests,” he said.
HURIWA further linked the democratic concerns to the prevailing security challenges across parts of the country, noting that armed groups continue to exert control over some communities.
“In some areas, terrorists and armed groups impose illegal taxes, displace citizens and render regions effectively ungoverned,” the statement noted.
It described as unacceptable a situation where political actors focus on power struggles while citizens face insecurity and economic hardship.
“Nigeria is gradually drifting toward a system where elections are predetermined, public offices are allocated based on loyalty rather than competence, and institutions are weakened for political convenience,” Onwubiko warned.
The group said such a trajectory could lead to authoritarianism disguised as democracy.
“Governors are not kings. Political parties are not private estates. Nigeria is not a conquered territory,” he said.
HURIWA called for the restoration of internal party democracy, urging political parties to conduct transparent primaries.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen oversight of party processes and sanction any form of manipulation.
Other recommendations included protecting the independence of the judiciary and legislature, prioritising security across affected regions, and strengthening laws against political imposition.
The group further urged citizens, the media and civil society organisations to remain vigilant.
“Nigeria stands at a historic crossroads. The choices made today will determine whether 2027 becomes a moment of democratic renewal or a descent into institutional collapse,” Onwubiko stated.
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