POLITICS
2027: InterSociety threatens int’l sanctions against Soludo, Alia, four other govs
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, InterSociety, has threatened to pursue international sanctions, including possible travel restrictions to Europe and the Americas, against six Nigerian governors whom it accused of promoting political intolerance and undermining opposition activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation named Anambra Governor Charles Soludo, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Monday Okpebholo of Edo; Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Peter Mbah of Enugu and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.
In a statement issued in Enugu on Tuesday, InterSociety alleged that the governors and their loyalists had been involved in political exclusion, intimidation of opposition figures, abuse of state power and the shrinking of civic space.
It described the development as an emerging “axis of political intolerance” across parts of the South-East, South-South and North-Central, particularly against the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
InterSociety alleged attacks on opposition supporters in Enugu, threats against political and community leaders in Ebonyi, and attempts to restrict opposition activities in Anambra, Benue, Edo and Imo.
It also cited an alleged gun attack during an NDC ward meeting in Enugu, which it said left four people injured, and claimed that Obi had been prevented from entering Benue State on two occasions.
The organisation also questioned the independence and preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 elections.
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InterSociety expressed concern over alleged pressure on INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, and referred to an earlier allegation by former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, concerning an alleged pre-signed resignation letter involving Amupitan.
It said that, if true, the allegation would raise serious questions about the commission’s independence.
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The group further alleged widespread problems involving the voters’ register, PVC production, voter transfers and missing names on polling-unit registers, warning that millions could be disenfranchised if the issues were not addressed before the elections.
InterSociety particularly alleged that political influence had compromised some aspects of INEC operations in Anambra State, including staff postings and transfers.
On Anambra, InterSociety accused Soludo of allegedly turning the state’s governmental machinery into an instrument of support for President Bola Tinubu and attacks against Obi, rather than concentrating on governance.
It also criticised what it described as shortcomings in governance and financial accountability in the state.
In Benue, it accused Governor Alia of failing to adequately protect citizens from armed attacks while allegedly allowing political intolerance against opposition activities.
Similar allegations of political intimidation and shrinking civic space were made against the governments of Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.
The governors and their administrations were not given the opportunity to respond to the allegations before publication.
InterSociety urged the governors to desist from actions capable of overheating the polity, stressing that the right to vote and contest elections was fundamental to democracy.
It called on opposition parties to subject INEC’s preparations to greater scrutiny and demand transparency ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation warned that continued political intolerance, alleged electoral manipulation and suppression of civic space could attract international consequences.
It said it would intensify international advocacy for appropriate measures against officials implicated in such conduct, insisting that “the ballot is stronger than the bullet.”
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