Chinedum Treasure
A coalition of civil society organisations has raised concerns over alleged political intimidation, disruption of opposition activities and misuse of security institutions in the South-East, warning that the developments could undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition, comprising the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF) and Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), called on governors, security agencies and other relevant authorities to protect civic freedoms and ensure that political opponents can organise without harassment or intimidation.
In a joint statement, the organisations cited reported incidents in Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra and Imo States, which they said required independent investigation and institutional accountability.
In Anambra State, the coalition expressed concern over the October 17 incident in Achalla, involving the reported shooting and disappearance of a man identified as Chibuzor, popularly known as Ability, as well as the arrest and alleged brutalisation of Jude Nwoye Anokwu and others.
It also raised questions over alleged interference with police bail and called for an independent investigation into the incident, including immediate clarification of Chibuzor’s whereabouts and condition.
The statement noted that Anambra State Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Mr Ken Emeakayi, had disputed allegations concerning the involvement of the security outfit in private disputes.
In Enugu State, the organisations cited the reported attack on a political meeting in Obuoffia-Awkunanaw and the subsequent prosecution and remand of Ani Chidi, alongside allegations of political interference in the withdrawal of a venue booked for an opposition town hall.
They also referenced allegations of intimidation of opposition candidates, detention of a party women’s leader and interference with a political organiser’s business premises in Ebonyi State.
In Imo State, the coalition expressed concern over the reported detention and subsequent release on bail of lawyer and human rights defender, Chinedu Agu, following a petition connected with an internal Nigerian Bar Association dispute.
While acknowledging that the incidents differed in their circumstances and legal status, the organisations insisted that they required impartial investigations, protection of affected persons and accountability wherever wrongdoing was established.
The coalition warned that the restriction of civic space could undermine political competition ahead of the 2027 elections through violence, threats, selective arrests and restrictions on lawful political gatherings.
It maintained that no governor or political party owned any state or community, stressing that citizens retained the constitutional right to support or reject political candidates without punishment.
The organisations called on the Inspector-General of Police and relevant oversight institutions to investigate reported attacks on political gatherings, protect opposition activities and prevent the partisan deployment of police, intelligence agencies, vigilantes and state-supported security outfits.
They also demanded proper documentation of arrests and transfers, disclosure of the whereabouts of detained persons, protection of journalists and human rights defenders, and measures to prevent political leaders from recruiting or arming youths for intimidation.
The coalition further called for the activation of regional early-warning and response mechanisms through the South-East Human Rights Bureau, with civil society organisations, lawyers, journalists and communities participating in confidential reporting and monitoring of rights violations.
It recalled that a one-day accountability dialogue on civic space, held in Owerri, Imo State, on September 23, 2026, had recommended the establishment of institutional focal persons and referral channels within 30 days.
According to the organisations, the initial deadline had elapsed, prompting their demand for participating institutions to provide updates on implementation.
They requested initial written responses from relevant authorities within 14 days, adding that cases involving threats to life and missing persons required immediate attention.
The coalition said a follow-up review should also take place within six months, insisting that public institutions must demonstrate through concrete actions that political affiliation does not determine citizens’ access to protection and justice.
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