The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expresses profound alarm and unequivocally condemns the declaration credited to the Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, that the governors of the five South-East states have collectively resolved to work for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
This declaration raises grave constitutional, democratic and moral concerns. It conveys the dangerous impression that the votes of millions of South-East citizens have already been negotiated or politically appropriated by a handful of elected officials. Nothing could be more offensive to constitutional democracy.
Let it be stated without ambiguity: South-East governors are not the owners of the people’s mandate. They are temporary custodians of public office and possess no constitutional authority to determine how the electorate will vote in 2027. The sovereignty of the Nigerian people is guaranteed by the Constitution, not by the resolutions of governors’ forums or partisan political meetings.
The South-East is home to one of the most politically conscious and independent-minded populations in Africa. Ndigbo have historically demonstrated that they cannot be intimidated, coerced or politically conscripted into supporting any candidate against their convictions. Their votes are earned through persuasion, performance and credibility—not through political proclamations issued from Government Houses.
HURIWA is therefore deeply concerned that statements suggesting that an entire geopolitical zone has already been politically delivered to a particular presidential candidate months before campaigns officially commence could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. Such declarations risk creating the perception that the outcome of the election is being politically choreographed instead of being freely determined by the electorate.
For this reason, HURIWA calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently reassure Nigerians that the 2027 general election will remain free, fair, transparent and credible. The Commission must publicly reaffirm that no governor, minister, political party or government institution can influence the independence of Nigeria’s electoral process.
INEC owes Nigerians a constitutional duty to protect the sanctity of the ballot. Every eligible citizen must have the confidence that his or her vote will count exactly as cast, without manipulation, intimidation or institutional interference. The credibility of the Commission will be measured not merely by its assurances but by its preparedness, neutrality and strict compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
HURIWA further announces that it will formally petition the administration of United States President Donald Trump, alongside relevant international democratic institutions and election observation organisations, to draw attention to developments that could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process. The purpose of the petition is to encourage heightened international attention to the conduct of the 2027 elections and to reinforce the global expectation that the will of Nigerian voters must prevail.
Democracy cannot survive where political office holders begin to speak as though they possess the electoral mandates of millions of citizens. Such a mindset contradicts the letter and spirit of constitutional governance and weakens public trust in democratic institutions.
HURIWA therefore urges all political leaders to exercise restraint, respect the intelligence of the electorate and allow Nigerians to determine the nation’s political future through the ballot box without intimidation, coercion, undue influence or any attempt to create the impression that the outcome of the election has already been predetermined.
The association reiterates that the ballot belongs to the people—not to governors, political parties or governments. The only acceptable path to political power in a constitutional democracy is through the freely expressed will of the electorate.
Nigeria’s democracy must be defended. The constitutional right of every Nigerian to vote according to conscience must remain sacred and inviolable.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). Thursday, July 23rd 2026.
