Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the ongoing primary elections of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the process as a dangerous reflection of what it called the collapse of internal democracy within Nigeria’s ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko on May 20, 2026, the group alleged that the APC primaries were characterised by manipulation, intimidation, violence, suppression of delegates and imposition of candidates, warning that the development poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic future.
HURIWA stated that what Nigerians witnessed during the primaries was “not democracy” but “political criminality dressed in electoral clothing,” insisting that the chaotic conduct of the exercise had destroyed public confidence in the democratic credentials of the ruling party.
According to the association, a political party that cannot conduct a transparent internal contest among its members lacks the moral authority to supervise or influence credible national elections in 2027.
The group further alleged that the primaries exposed a political culture where power is secured through coercion and manipulation rather than popularity, competence or democratic legitimacy.
HURIWA warned that complaints emerging from within the APC over alleged irregularities should concern Nigerians ahead of the next presidential election.
“If aspirants within the same political family are already screaming about manipulation and irregularities, what then awaits ordinary Nigerians during the presidential election?” the statement queried.
The association also raised concerns over the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing unresolved controversies surrounding the alleged partisan activities of INEC official Kunle Ajayi Amupitan during the 2023 presidential election.
HURIWA said the allegations had weakened public trust in the neutrality of the electoral body and warned that failure to rebuild confidence in the commission could push Nigeria into a deeper electoral crisis ahead of 2027.
The rights group stressed that democracy cannot survive where electoral institutions lose credibility and political parties normalise impunity, adding that the country was approaching a “democratic crossroads.”
It warned that another election marred by allegations of rigging, voter suppression, abuse of state power and institutional compromise could have severe consequences for national peace and stability.
The association therefore called on Nigerians across political, ethnic and religious lines to begin what it described as peaceful democratic resistance against any attempt to undermine the people’s mandate in 2027.
HURIWA urged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, monitor the electoral process closely, expose irregularities and lawfully defend their votes.
The group maintained that defending votes through peaceful and constitutional means remains a legitimate democratic right, warning that democracy gradually dies when citizens remain silent in the face of impunity and institutional manipulation.
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