By George Mgbeleke<\/p>\n
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) says the Nigeria Police Force must move beyond invitations and warnings and take lawful action against politicians and public officials accused of making inflammatory statements capable of inciting political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.<\/p>\n
HURIWA says the continued delay in decisive action in 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, is raising serious concerns about the enforcement of Nigeria\u2019s electoral laws.<\/p>\n
The association says repeated warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police against threats, intimidation and inflammatory political statements will have little effect if persons accused of violating the law are not properly investigated and, where evidence establishes an offence, prosecuted.<\/p>\n
HURIWA says action speaks louder than words and argues that the earlier persons found culpable of political incitement are arrested, prosecuted and sanctioned in accordance with the law, the better for Nigeria\u2019s democracy.<\/p>\n
FADAHUNSI CASE<\/p>\n
HURIWA recalls that a video circulated shortly before the August 15 governorship election in Osun State in which Senator Fadahunsi appeared to call on APC supporters to retaliate against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa.<\/p>\n
The association says the senator was subsequently invited by the police after public concerns over the statement, but Nigerians deserve to know whether the invitation has resulted in a formal investigation, prosecution or any other lawful action.<\/p>\n
HURIWA says an invitation by the police should not become a substitute for prosecution where an investigation establishes that a criminal offence was committed.<\/p>\n
The association further says the subsequent explanation or denial attributed to the senator does not remove the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to establish the facts surrounding the statement.<\/p>\n
SHEKWOLO CASE<\/p>\n
HURIWA says the case involving Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Shekwolo is equally troubling.<\/p>\n
The association recalls that Shekwolo was captured in a widely circulated video reportedly threatening residents who did not support the APC.<\/p>\n
HURIWA says 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.<\/p>\n
The association therefore asks the police to explain the current status of the matter and why Nigerians have not been adequately informed about any prosecution arising from the allegation.<\/p>\n
HURIWA says residents must be free to support any political party or candidate of their choice without fear of expulsion, intimidation or punishment.<\/p>\n
BUBA CASE<\/p>\n
HURIWA also says the statement attributed to Borno State Commissioner Sainna Buba requires serious attention from law enforcement authorities.<\/p>\n
The association recalls that Buba was captured in a circulating video making statements that appeared to threaten opposition supporters with punishment if they refused to support the APC.<\/p>\n
HURIWA says such statements, if established to have been made as alleged, should be subjected to proper investigation under the relevant laws.<\/p>\n
The association says political office holders must understand that public office does not confer immunity from accountability for statements or actions that may violate the law.<\/p>\n
WARNINGS WITHOUT ACTION<\/p>\n
HURIWA says it is concerned that security agencies continue to issue warnings against political incitement while Nigerians are yet to see sufficient evidence of prosecution in some high-profile cases.<\/p>\n
The association notes that the police have publicly described incitement as a criminal offence and have promised to arrest and prosecute persons whose statements threaten public peace.<\/p>\n
HURIWA therefore challenges the police to match those declarations with concrete action.<\/p>\n
The association says Nigerians should not be left with the impression that political affiliation determines who is investigated, arrested or prosecuted.<\/p>\n
\u201cHURIWA 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
NO IMMUNITY FOR POLITICAL INCITEMENT<\/p>\n
HURIWA says apologies, denials or attempts to reinterpret controversial statements should not automatically bring investigations to an end.<\/p>\n
The association says the duty of the police is to investigate allegations objectively, determine whether an offence has been committed and prosecute where the evidence supports such action.<\/p>\n
HURIWA also calls on INEC, the police, 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.<\/p>\n
The association says selective enforcement of electoral laws could create a dangerous perception that political connections provide protection from accountability.<\/p>\n
HURIWA therefore urges political parties to discipline members whose public statements threaten peaceful political participation.<\/p>\n
2027 MUST NOT BECOME A BATTLEFIELD<\/p>\n
HURIWA says the 2027 general elections must not become a contest of threats, intimidation and violence.<\/p>\n
The association urges security agencies to act before inflammatory rhetoric translates into physical attacks and loss of lives.<\/p>\n
HURIWA says Nigerians have a constitutional right to choose their leaders freely and without fear, coercion or intimidation.<\/p>\n
The association therefore demands that the Nigeria Police Force publicly disclose the status of investigations involving Fadahunsi, Shekwolo and Buba and prosecute any person found culpable in accordance with the law.<\/p>\n
HURIWA also calls on security agencies to monitor political actors across party lines whose statements could threaten peaceful elections.<\/p>\n
The association says the credibility of Nigeria\u2019s democracy will be tested not only at the ballot box but also by the willingness of state institutions to enforce the law without fear or favour.<\/p>\n
Signed:<\/p>\n
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
\nNational Coordinator
\nHuman Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). Sunday, September 6th, 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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