The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commit himself and his administration to conducting a free, fair, credible, transparent, and violence-free general election in 2027, describing such a legacy as the surest pathway to securing a place among the world’s most respected democratic leaders.
HURIWA’s position follows allegations reportedly made by the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who claimed that during a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner attended by opposition leaders and President Tinubu, the opposition requested assurances that the 2027 elections would be conducted transparently and fairly.
According to the SDP candidate’s account, the President allegedly responded that he could not guarantee a free and fair election, arguing that when he was in the opposition, he also faced political intimidation and electoral disadvantages from those who controlled federal power, and that today’s opposition politicians should expect similar challenges.
While HURIWA notes that the allegation remains the account of the SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, the association believes that President Tinubu now has a historic opportunity to demonstrate statesmanship by rising above the imperfections of the past and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
The association stated that Nigerians expect the President to publicly and unequivocally assure citizens that the 2027 general elections will be conducted in strict accordance with democratic principles, constitutional provisions, and international best practices.
HURIWA specifically urged the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and all relevant institutions to take decisive steps to:
• Guarantee free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in 2027;
• Criminalise and vigorously prosecute vote-buying and vote-selling;
• Eliminate political thuggery and election-related violence;
• Prevent intimidation of opposition parties and their supporters;
• Ensure equal opportunities for all political parties and candidates;
•Strengthen the independence and integrity of electoral institutions; and
• Protect the sanctity of the ballot and the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
According to HURIWA, if President Tinubu successfully oversees a genuinely free and fair electoral process in 2027, he would earn a distinguished place in Nigeria’s democratic history and gain international recognition as a statesman who prioritized national interest above partisan considerations.
The association stated that such a legacy would place him in the company of globally admired leaders who strengthened democratic institutions and promoted national cohesion, including Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore and Abraham Lincoln of the United States. HURIWA further noted that within Africa, former President Goodluck Jonathan continues to receive widespread commendation for respecting democratic principles and facilitating a peaceful transfer of power after the 2015 presidential election.
Meanwhile, HURIWA announced that it is set to hold the 18th Edition of its National Human Rights Lecture, which will focus on the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The theme of the lecture is:
“Achieving Free and Fair Elections in 2027.”
The lecture will be delivered by renowned public affairs analyst and scholar, Professor Okey Ikechukwu, who will examine pathways for enhancing electoral integrity, democratic accountability, citizen participation, and institutional reforms necessary for credible elections.
The event is scheduled to hold on:
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
HURIWA called on political leaders, civil society organisations, electoral stakeholders, academics, students, diplomats, faith-based groups, and members of the public to participate in the lecture and contribute to national conversations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
The association reiterated that democracy can only thrive where elections reflect the genuine will of the people and where political competition is conducted peacefully, transparently, and in accordance with the rule of law.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
