By Ikechukwu Samuel
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the declaration by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, that presidential candidates other than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not campaign in Osun State.
HURIWA described the position as constitutionally untenable and warned that allowing traditional authorities to restrict political campaigns could undermine democratic freedoms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Monday, the rights group said no traditional ruler, political office holder or private individual had the constitutional authority to determine which presidential candidate Nigerians could listen to, receive or vote for.
According to HURIWA, such declarations could create an atmosphere of political intimidation where opposition supporters are denied equal access to campaign platforms and voters are deprived of opportunities to hear alternative political messages.
The organisation called on the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make it clear that all presidential candidates recognised under Nigerian law are entitled to campaign freely throughout Osun State and other parts of the country.
HURIWA said the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and movement, while electoral laws provide the framework for political campaigns.
“These rights cannot be suspended by traditional declarations or political endorsements,” the organisation said.
The rights group further warned against what it described as the convergence of traditional authority, political endorsement and private security structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
It said democracy could become dangerously compromised if traditional institutions began determining which candidates could campaign in particular territories.
HURIWA stressed that supporting a political candidate remained a constitutional right, but argued that political support should not translate into the use or endorsement of private armed structures capable of influencing electoral outcomes through intimidation or force.
The organisation urged the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure equal protection for all presidential candidates during the 2027 election cycle.
HURIWA maintained that Nigeria could not operate what it called “a democracy of selective political access,” insisting that every candidate and voter must be allowed to participate freely without intimidation.
It warned that political freedoms must be protected before the election season intensifies, saying the erosion of democracy begins when citizens gradually lose the right to organise, campaign, speak and choose freely.
