HURIWA Raises Alarm Over APC’s ‘Boastful Tendencies’, Warns of Threats to Democracy

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over the conduct and statements of the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the ruling party’s actions could endanger Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

HURIWA, in a statement, accused the APC of displaying a tendency to dominate key democratic institutions, including the Judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The association alleged that the APC appears to have “pocketed” these institutions, allowing the party to boast about winning future elections with impunity.

The rights group cited the APC’s performance in the Edo State governorship election as evidence of the party’s intention to manipulate the electoral process.

HURIWA said the ruling party’s leaders continue to claim that they will secure victory in all upcoming elections, suggesting that this trend poses serious risks to democracy.

In a media statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA urged both the Judiciary and INEC to resist any pressure from the APC and enforce their mandates independently.

The group emphasized that these institutions must uphold their constitutional roles, which guarantee their independence from the executive branch or the ruling party.

“The immediate risk of the APC’s boastful attitude,” HURIWA warned, “is that if the party continues to manipulate the electoral process using its control over the central government, it will lead to voter apathy and could create a one-party system or result in anarchy.”

HURIWA called on Nigerians to pressure INEC and the Judiciary to maintain their independence and avoid being compromised by the ruling party.

The association further criticized APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for repeatedly boasting about the party’s plans to dominate the political landscape.

It referenced Ganduje’s statements about capturing the Southwest geopolitical zone and taking over political structures in Rivers State.

HURIWA cautioned the APC against imposing “illegal mechanisms” to manipulate elections, stressing that free, fair, and transparent elections are crucial to sustaining democracy and driving national development.

The rights group concluded by urging democratic institutions to safeguard the electoral process to prevent the collapse of democracy and protect Nigeria from slipping into authoritarianism.