HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATES CALL FOR FREE, FAIR AND PEACEFUL ELECTIONS AHEAD OF 2027

Wuddeama Manga//ABUJA// Guard Time Information (GTI), Human Rights Activists Nationwide, has called on political parties, political leaders, supporters and all Nigerians to uphold the principles of free, fair, peaceful and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation condemned alleged threats, intimidation, harassment and coercion directed at citizens over their political choices, stressing that every eligible Nigerian has the right to make an independent choice at the ballot box without fear, intimidation or violence.

Speaking in Abuja, the Chairman of GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide, Comrade Bibi Oduku, alongside legal practitioners and human rights advocates, said Nigerians must be allowed to exercise their constitutional and democratic rights freely and peacefully.

Comrade Oduku stated that no individual, political party or group should threaten, intimidate or harass citizens because of their preferred candidate or political party.

He said: “Every eligible Nigerian has the right to vote for the candidate or political party of his or her choice. Nobody should be threatened, intimidated, harassed or subjected to humiliation simply because of the way they choose to exercise their civic responsibility.”

He further urged citizens not to be afraid to report incidents of political intimidation, threats or harassment to the appropriate security agencies and credible human rights organisations for necessary action.

According to him, GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide is prepared to support citizens whose fundamental rights are allegedly violated during the electoral process, while encouraging all parties to seek lawful and peaceful means of resolving political disagreements.

Comrade Oduku also cautioned Nigerian youths, students and other citizens against allowing themselves to be used by politicians or political groups to perpetrate violence, intimidation or other unlawful activities for personal or political interests.

He noted that electoral violence has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property and long-term consequences for families and communities.

He therefore called on political actors and their supporters to reject violence before, during and after elections.

“Politics and voting are matters of choice. No citizen should be forced to support or vote for a particular candidate or political party through threats or intimidation. Elections should be conducted through peaceful participation, dialogue and respect for the rule of law,” he said.

The Chairman announced that GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide will intensify its programmes on “Abstaining from Electoral Violence and Political Thuggery” ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the programmes will focus on political education, peacebuilding, human rights awareness and sensitisation of political supporters, youths, students and other members of the public on the dangers and consequences of electoral violence and political thuggery.

He explained that the initiative will also promote peaceful coexistence among supporters of different political parties and encourage citizens to understand that political differences should never become a reason for violence.

GTI will also encourage citizens to respect the role of security agencies during elections and to cooperate with lawful security measures aimed at protecting lives, property and the integrity of the electoral process.

Comrade Oduku further reminded Nigerians that citizens have the right to seek protection from relevant government institutions whenever their safety or fundamental rights are threatened.

He urged citizens not to be intimidated by the presence of security agencies during elections, while also stressing the importance of security personnel carrying out their duties professionally and within the law.

GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide called on citizens to promptly report cases involving alleged electoral threats, intimidation, harassment, violence, political thuggery, corruption or other unlawful conduct to the appropriate authorities and credible human rights organisations.

The organisation said it remains committed to advocating for the protection of citizens’ rights and promoting peaceful democratic participation throughout the electoral process.

Comrade Bibi Oduku concluded by urging Nigerians to reject violence and allow the 2027 electoral process to be driven by peace, freedom of choice, respect for human rights, tolerance and the rule of law.

GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful elections and protect the rights of citizens before, during and after the 2027 general elections.