2027: HURIWA Warns Against Judicial Delay, Suppression of Opposition Parties

Chuks Okocha in Abuja 

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has warned over what it described as a dangerous convergence of judicial delay, political interference, and institutional uncertainty capable of undermining Nigeria’s multiparty democracy ahead of the 2027 general election.

At the centre of HURIWA’s concern was the failure of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to deliver timely judgments on the protracted leadership crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—two major opposition platforms whose internal stability was critical to democratic competition.

In a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group noted that while the apex court has concluded hearings on multiple appeals arising from the disputes, it has yet to fix a date for judgment, a development HURIWA described as “deeply troubling” given the proximity of constitutionally regulated electoral activities.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties were required to submit membership registers by May 10, 2026, while party primaries were scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026. 

Campaign activities were also expected to commence later in the year, making clarity of party leadership an urgent necessity rather than a procedural luxury.

HURIWA warned that the absence of clear, legally recognised leadership structures within both parties has already triggered confusion, paralysed internal decision-making processes, and placed aspirants in a precarious state of uncertainty regarding their political futures.

The association further raised alarm over what it termed “disturbing political signals,” particularly reports that factions within the PDP—allegedly aligned with influential figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress and close to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—have proceeded with activities such as the sale of nomination forms despite the pendency of the case before the court.

“This situation raises fundamental questions about the integrity of the judicial process and whether certain actors may be acting on presumed outcomes. If left unchecked, such perceptions could severely damage public trust in the neutrality and independence of the judiciary,” HURIWA stated.

The group also expressed concern over the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose political alignment within the PDP crisis has continued to generate controversy, further complicating the party’s internal cohesion and external credibility.