The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to refrain from distracting governance with premature re-election campaigns for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with two years still left before the 2027 polls.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA criticized the actions of Akpabio and his allies, accusing them of “playing God” and showing a disregard for the hardships faced by millions of Nigerians.
The group condemned the political leaders for prioritizing power retention over addressing pressing economic challenges, including the depreciating Naira, soaring commodity prices, and the escalating cost of living.
“These politicians, who are clinging to power by all conceivable means, seem clueless about how to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, who are drifting rapidly into multidimensional poverty due to poor economic planning and the implementation of anti-people policies,” HURIWA stated.
The rights group specifically took issue with recent remarks made by Akpabio during an Iftar gathering, where he confidently declared that APC would retain power in 2027, encouraging supporters to offer prayers for the president’s second term.
According to HURIWA, such statements amount to a distraction from governance and are illegal under current electoral guidelines.
HURIWA also reminded politicians that only God has the final say regarding the future, cautioning against the arrogance of assuming power beyond their current tenure.
The group recalled comments made by Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to President Tinubu, at a Service of Songs for the late Doyin Okupe.
Rahman revealed that Okupe had established a team to work for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 before his passing, reflecting Okupe’s strong belief in Tinubu’s policies.
Emphasizing that human life and political outcomes are beyond anyone’s control, HURIWA called on Yakubu Mahmood, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to warn political leaders and enforce sanctions on any parties engaging in early campaigns.
The association urged Tinubu to rein in his political team and focus on governance rather than premature electioneering, stating that it is inappropriate to inundate Nigerians with talk of the 2027 elections while the current administration is only halfway through its first term.
