Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take lessons from the transparent conduct of ongoing local council elections in the United Kingdom, warning the electoral body against using insecurity as a diversion from concerns over credibility and neutrality ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Friday, by Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, HURIWA said the peaceful conduct of the UK local elections, where results were electronically transmitted and announced promptly at polling units, demonstrated the level of transparency and accountability Nigerians expect from INEC.
The rights group noted that major political parties in Britain, including the Conservatives, Labour, Reform UK, Green Party and Liberal Democrats, had expressed confidence in the electoral process, describing it as a model Nigeria should emulate.
HURIWA argued that rather than repeatedly citing insecurity as the biggest threat to the 2027 elections, INEC should focus on rebuilding public trust through transparent electoral reforms, professionalism and institutional neutrality.
The association said Nigerians were increasingly worried about the credibility and independence of the electoral umpire, alleging that public perception of the closeness between the INEC Chairman and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu poses a greater threat to credible elections than insecurity itself.
According to the group, elections thrive on public confidence, and any doubts surrounding the neutrality of electoral authorities could undermine voter participation and democratic legitimacy.
HURIWA challenged the INEC leadership to demonstrate competence, courage and integrity capable of delivering elections that would meet both national and international standards.
The group also referenced controversies surrounding an alleged resurfaced social media post linked to the INEC Chairman, saying attempts to dismiss public concerns without transparent explanations had only deepened distrust among Nigerians.
“Nigerians are not asking for propaganda or emotional speeches from INEC leadership. Nigerians simply want transparent elections, credible processes and an electoral umpire that is trusted by all political tendencies,” the group stated.
HURIWA further called on security agencies to remain professionally neutral and ensure adequate security 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 provide adequate protection for the electoral process should be removed in the national interest.
It stressed that Nigeria’s democracy could only survive when elections genuinely reflected the will of the people through transparent and verifiable processes.
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