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Rights group raises the alarm over alleged plot to rig 2027 election
Prominent pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has called out the federal government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for actively putting in place what he believes to be foolproof and earliest election manipulative methods by appointing notorious card carrying members of his political family into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and forcing PDP sitting governors to crosscarpet to APC as another trick to enhance the rigging of the year 2027 general elections.
“We are aware of a faultless intelligence that revealed to us that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is perfecting the procedural manipulation of the general election in the year 2027 by putting in place what he thought are a smart set of systems and manipulative processes to effectively gain absolute control and command of the election management body by picking well known APC loyalists as National Commissioners and compelling second term seeking PDP serving governors to enlist in APC as decoys for writing the results of the elections in their jurisdictions.
“The rights group is therefore alerting Nigerians to these schemes with the hope that the organised civil society organizations can put measures in place to expose these apparent well-contrived and well-funded election manipulation procedures of the ruling APC.
The National Chairman of APC has openly boasted that his political party will win over two thirds of the States of the Federation and keep a commanding control and leadership of the National Assembly. By illegally staging and regime change in Rivers state and unconstitutionally suspending the governor Siminialayi Fubara so as to force him into a sudden surrender, is a well-coordinated strategy by APC to rig the result of the 2027 election in Rivers state even before the first ballot is cast.
“These public outbursts of the handpicked National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress that more PDP Governors and law makers would move into APC soon is not a fluke but a revelation of the inner workings of the National ruling party and their electoral strategy for 2027. The APC is plotting to establish a China-styled communist one party state in Nigeria. The blueprint for turning Nigeria into an authoritarianism is already being systematically enforced by the APC.
The rights group alluded to the assertion by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) of the massive infiltration of the Election management body by members of the All Progressives Congress just as it has called on President Bola Tinubu to review his appointment of several Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) accused of being members of the ruling APC.
HURIWA recalled that SERAP has even urged the president to replace them with individuals of proven integrity and no political affiliations, in line with constitutional requirements.
In a letter dated June 7, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation warned that the presence of alleged partisan figures in INEC could damage the credibility of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
It cited the nominations and subsequent Senate confirmations of Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers), all appointed in October 2023, as a cause for concern.
“Public perception of the independence of INEC is essential for building confidence in the electoral process,” SERAP stated.
“Where Nigerians have doubts about INEC’s neutrality, they are more likely to lose trust in the electoral system, thereby undermining democracy.”
HURIWA recalled that SERAP called on President Tinubu to use his office to nominate individuals who are non-partisan and meet the constitutional criteria for INEC appointments. It also asked the president to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to draft a bill for submission to the National Assembly that would enhance the electoral commission’s independence.
The group cited several constitutional and legal provisions to support its appeal. These include Section 156(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that INEC officials must not belong to political parties, and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule, which mandates that RECs be non-partisan and of unquestionable integrity.
“The credibility and legitimacy of elections depend largely on the independence and impartiality of those appointed to manage the process,” the letter read. “Without these safeguards, the democratic rights of Nigerians remain illusory.”
HURIWA affirmed that SERAP also rightly referenced Nigeria’s obligations under international frameworks such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and recommendations from the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Both stress the importance of having independent and impartial electoral bodies.
HURIWA reflected similar strong sentiments and absolutely condemned “the plot by the APC-led federal government to compromise the 2027 general elections.” The rights group also criticised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “for obviously deciding to bequeath to the nation the legacies of heavily compromised election management systems” just as HURIWA condemned the National Assembly “for playing politics with a set of suggested electoral reforms which if legislated into laws of Nigeria could change the notorious narratives of constant manipulation and mismanagement of the general elections in Nigeria.”
According to HUIWA, “INEC under Yakubu Mahmud has become the playfield of Tinubu’s APC. HURIWA condemns the APC for also actively financing the internal schism in Labour Party and PDP so as to disorganise and create unresolvable conflicts for political opposition and weaken the opposition structures.”
HURIWA also described the choreographed defection into All Progressives Congress of PDP serving governors and National Assembly members as another angle of the larger conspiratorial agenda aimed at manipulation of the next general elections by the All Progressives Congress just as the Rights group carpeted all those governors who shamelessly betrayed the voters and their party by jumping ship into the APC to actively work in conjunction with the APC hierarchy to achieve the plot to rig the 2027 general elections in favour of President Tinubu and his political party that has gained total control of the INEC.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State it would be recalled had officially announced his defection from PDP to APC.
Speaking on Friday in Uyo, the state capital, Eno said the decision followed three months of extensive consultations with key political stakeholders across the state.
“For some time now, the political space—particularly in this state and across the nation—has been filled with speculation about my potential defection from the PDP, the platform that facilitated my rise to the position of governor,” he stated.
“This conversation has generated diverse opinions. Today, I am here to address those lingering questions. As the Dalai Lama once said, ‘We should always be open to change, but not let go of our shared values.’”
Governor Eno confirmed that he has submitted his formal resignation from the PDP to his ward chairman, with copies also delivered to the party’s state and national leadership.
“Earlier this morning, I submitted a formal letter of resignation to the ward chairman of the PDP. Copies were also sent to both the state and national chairmen,” he said. “I want to thank the PDP for their support, their love, and the opportunity to serve Akwa Ibom under their banner over the past two years.”
HURIWA described the defectors as shameless political traitors who simply think politics is all about winning elections and staying in power in perpetuity just as it said this political prostitution has shown that leadership in Nigeria lacks principles but has become anything goes.
“We call on Nigerians to denounce these political lepers and defectors and vote them out in the year 2027 poll.
HURIWA however thinks that Nigerians must be vigilant and resist the plots by APC to whitewash and rig the 2027 polls. “The people of Nigeria must speak out in renunciation and condemnation of these thieving tactics being actively put in place by the APC, president Tinubu and the selected leaders of APC to manipulate the next general elections in their satanic bid to win a second term by all crooked means for president Tinubu. Eternal vigilance is our price of liberty in Nigeria.”
Two persons sustained gunshot injuries on Wednesday during an attempted arrest by police officers at the River Niger Head Bridge, Onitsha, Anambra State, causing panic and disrupting vehicular and pedestrian movement in the area.
The incident, which occurred around noon, caused gridlock along the busy Onitsha-Awka Expressway, as a confrontation reportedly broke out between the security operatives and some hoodlums.
Eyewitnesses near the scene said the victims were shot during the confrontation and later became unconscious before they were rushed to a nearby hospital.
One of the sources said, “The incident occurred this afternoon. It arose from a confrontation between the police officers and the victims. They were being stopped by the officers for questioning. In an attempt to arrest them, they resisted the arrest and the police fired some shots at them.
“The incident resulted in heavy skirmishes around the Bridgehead Market as people scampered to safety. The area remained in chaos until the arrival of another batch of police team. The victims were later rushed to a nearby hospital.”
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident occurred when the suspects allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, had visited the scene and addressed the crowd, adding that an investigation had commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to him, the CP subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses were covered.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, while addressing the crowd in Onitsha over the incident arising from a confrontation during an attempted arrest, stated that the immediate priority of the Command is to ensure that the victims recover fully.
“The incident occurred when suspects allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries. The Commissioner of Police subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the Command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses are covered.
“The CP further ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the events leading to the discharge of the firearm.
“He stressed that the investigation will establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on its findings.
“The Commissioner of Police appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain peaceful and allow the investigation to run its course.”
Ikenga reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life and the rule of law.
“Meanwhile, traffic and human movement around the Head Bridge area have been de-escalated, with free flow of vehicular and human movement now restored,” he added.
Three churches in Lagos State have been shut down by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) over noise pollution as part of an enforcement exercise targeting 11 establishments in Agege and Mushin.
The affected churches are Holy Temple of Christ on Ayetoro Street, behind NIPCO Filling Station, Mushin; Christ Covenant Gospel Church, Western District, along Ikorodu Road, Fadeyi, Mushin; and Christ Apostolic Church, Oye Iyanu, located at Mushin Road, Church Bus Stop, Itire.
LASEPA carried out the enforcement operation on Tuesday after the affected establishments had received warnings and notices over environmental violations.
The agency said the establishments were given opportunities to correct the problems but failed to meet the required standards.
The shutdown of the three churches was linked to noise pollution, with the agency maintaining that religious activities and other operations must comply with environmental regulations to protect residents and maintain peace within communities.
LASEPA also sealed Akorohunfayo Central Mosque on Akorohunfayo Street, Fadeyi, Mushin, over noise pollution.
Other establishments affected included Biolarique Bakery Academy on Mushin Road, Mushin, which was sealed for failing to comply with the agency’s directives.
Tiles & Marbles on Silver Street, Olorunsogo, Mushin, was also shut over air pollution.
Five scrap yards operating in Agege and Mushin were equally sealed.
The facilities were accused of various environmental offences, including failure to provide evidence of an E-Waste Permit, environmental pollution and non-compliance with directives issued by LASEPA.
The affected scrap yards are Abubakar Scrap at Pipeline, Ifako-Ijaiye, Agege; Benjamin Scrap Yard on Ladoje Street, Oko Oba, Agege; Starlas and Sons Scrap Yard, also on Ladoje Street, Oko Oba, Agege; Jamin Scrap Yard at Jungle Bus Stop, Iju Road, Agege; and a Scrap Yard on Olu Aina Street, Daleko, Mushin.
LASEPA General Manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, said the agency would continue to monitor establishments across Lagos and enforce environmental regulations where operators fail to comply.
He urged religious organisations, business owners, facility operators, scrap dealers and other residents to obtain the necessary permits, follow environmental rules and take steps to prevent activities that could affect public health or the wellbeing of people living around their facilities.
The agency said further monitoring and enforcement exercises would continue across Lagos as part of efforts to maintain a cleaner and safer environment.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the appointment of 23 Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to support his administration in various areas of governance.
The appointments, contained in a Public Service Announcement signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, take effect immediately.
Nine of the appointees were appointed Special Advisers, while 14 were appointed Senior Special Assistants.
Among those appointed as Special Advisers are Hon. Chukwudi Ezinwa, Labour Union and Association Matters; Hon. Sunday Nnamani (Orlando), Special Duties; Mr. Williams Chukwu, Agriculture; Prince Afam Agana, Infrastructure Compliance; and Humphrey Onyima, Investment Strategy and Public Relations.
Others are Hon. Tony Ugwu, Rural Development; Chief Ernest Nweze, Party Coordination and Mobilisation; Hon. Emeka Onunze, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Mr. Robinson Odo (mni), Labour and Productivity.
Those appointed as Senior Special Assistants include Pastor Kenneth Asogwa (Ebube Muonso), Heritage and Community Relations; Pastor Tochukwu Ogbodo, Social Engagement; Barr. Lucky Chukwu, Public Affairs; Belonwu Nnaji, Cultural Orientation; and Hon. Steve Odo, Tourism.
Also appointed are Hon. Francis Ikewette Ede, Public Communication; Mr. Sunny Okafor, General Duties; Hon. Chinedu Okwu Otaka, Social Orientation and Mobilisation; Otaba Cosmas Ikechukwu, Protection of Public Utilities; Pius Okeagu, Assets Management; and Rt. Hon. Innocent Emeka Ugwu, Inter-Party Affairs.
The remaining appointees are Mrs. Eucharia Offor, Human Resource Management; Mr. Kenneth Oforma, Policy and Communication; and Kelvin Ede, Research and Strategy.
The state government said the appointments are effective immediately.
The new appointments are expected to strengthen the administration’s capacity across key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, investment, labour, rural development, public communication, tourism, human resources and community relations.
The full statement:
ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has approved the appointment of the following persons as Special Advisers (SPAs) and Senior Special Assistants (SSAs):
1. *Hon. Chukwudi Ezinwa* — Special Adviser on Labour Union and Association Matters
2. *Hon. Sunday Nnamani (Orlando)* — Special Adviser on Special Duties
3. *Mr. Williams Chukwu* — Special Adviser on Agriculture
4. *Prince Afam Agana* — Special Adviser on Infrastructure Compliance
5. *Humphrey Onyima* — Special Adviser on Investment Strategy and Public Relations
6. *Hon. Tony Ugwu* — Special Adviser on Rural Development
7. *Chief Ernest Nweze* — Special Adviser on Party Coordination and Mobilisation
8. *Hon. Emeka Onunze* — Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation
9. *Mr. Robinson Odo (mni) — Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity*
10. *Pastor Kenneth Asogwa (Ebube Muonso)* — Senior Special Assistant on Heritage and Community Relations
11. *Pastor Tochukwu Ogbodo* — Senior Special Assistant on Social Engagement
12. *Barr. Lucky Chukwu* — Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs
13. *Belonwu Nnaji* — Senior Special Assistant on Cultural Orientation
14. *Hon. Steve Odo* — Senior Special Assistant on Tourism
15. *Hon. Francis Ikewette Ede* — Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication
16. *Mr. Sunny Okafor* — Senior Special Assistant on General Duties
17. *Hon. Chinedu Okwu Otaka* — Senior Special Assistant on Social Orientation and Mobilisation
18. *Otaba Cosmas Ikechukwu* — Senior Special Assistant on Protection of Public Utilities
19. *Pius Okeagu* — Senior Special Assistant on Assets Management
20. *Rt. Hon. Innocent Emeka Ugwu* — Senior Special Assistant on Inter-Party Affairs
21. *Mrs. Eucharia Offor* — Senior Special Assistant on Human Resource Management
22. *Mr. Kenneth Oforma* — Senior Special Assistant on Policy and Communication
23. *Kelvin Ede — Senior Special Assistant on Research and Strategy*
The appointments take effect immediately.
Signed:
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia
Secretary to the Enugu State Government
Wednesday, 19th August, 2026
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