The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately invite and, if necessary, arrest Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho) over recent statements widely interpreted as threats against opposition politicians and dissenting voices in the South-West.

HURIWA’s demand follows a viral video and audio controversy in which Igboho was reported to have openly warned that political opponents of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, should not campaign in Yorubaland. In the widely circulated clip, Igboho was quoted as declaring support for Tinubu’s second term and warning that bringing opposition figures into the region would have consequences.

The group noted that the same report indicated that the development triggered nationwide backlash, with legal experts and civil society actors warning that no individual has the constitutional authority to restrict political activities or threaten fellow citizens in a democratic setting.

HURIWA, in a strongly-worded statement, described the alleged threats as “dangerous, unlawful and capable of inciting political violence,” insisting that security agencies must act swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The association recalled that Nigeria’s democracy guarantees freedom of movement, association, and political participation across all regions, stressing that any attempt by non-state actors to impose territorial political restrictions amounts to an abuse of democratic norms.

HURIWA further reminded the public of the troubling pattern of voter intimidation and ethnic targeting recorded during the 2023 elections in parts of the South-West. The group specifically referenced statements and actions attributed to Musiliu Akinsanya, who was widely criticised for threatening non-indigenous voters, particularly Igbos, during the Lagos governorship election. Reports at the time indicated that voters perceived to be Igbo were intimidated and, in some cases, attacked at polling units.

The rights group also pointed to inflammatory rhetoric from political actors, including presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, arguing that such narratives have contributed to a climate of intolerance and emboldened individuals like Igboho to make statements perceived as threats.

According to HURIWA, the convergence of these developments raises serious concerns about what it described as a “coordinated pattern of political intimidation” in the South-West. The group warned that failure to decisively address such actions could create the impression of state-backed complicity or selective enforcement of the law.

“Allowing individuals to openly threaten opposition figures without consequences risks normalising political violence and undermining national unity,” the statement said.

HURIWA went further to allege that there are growing fears among Nigerians that a network of loyalists, including Igboho and others, could be mobilised as an informal militia to suppress opposition campaigns in the region. While noting that these concerns remain allegations, the group stressed that the Federal Government has a duty to dispel such perceptions through transparent and impartial enforcement of the law.

The association cautioned that if opposition candidates or their supporters are attacked in the South-West, it could trigger retaliatory violence in other regions, thereby escalating tensions nationwide.

HURIWA therefore called on President Tinubu to publicly distance himself from any individual or group issuing threats in his name and to direct security agencies to act without bias.

“The President must take urgent steps to reassure Nigerians that no group is being empowered, directly or indirectly, to intimidate or attack political opponents,” the group stated, warning that silence or inaction could be interpreted as endorsement.

The group also urged the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to invite Igboho for questioning over the alleged threats and to ensure that all individuals involved in acts of political intimidation (regardless of affiliation) are held accountable.

HURIWA concluded by emphasizing that Nigeria’s unity depends on the protection of democratic freedoms across all regions, insisting that “no part of the country should become a no-go area for any Nigerian seeking political support.”

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