By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to disclose the status of investigations involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Shekwolo and Borno State Commissioner Sainna Buba over alleged inflammatory political statements.

HURIWA, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Sunday, said the police must move beyond invitations and warnings and take lawful action where investigations establish that offences were committed.

“Action speaks louder than words,” HURIWA said, arguing that persons found culpable of political incitement should be arrested, prosecuted and sanctioned in accordance with the law.

The association said the continued delay in the three cases was raising concerns about the enforcement of Nigeria’s electoral laws ahead of the 2027 general elections.

HURIWA recalled that a video circulated shortly before the August 15 governorship election in Osun State in which Senator Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, allegedly called on APC supporters to retaliate against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa.

The association said Fadahunsi was subsequently invited by the police following public concerns over the statement, but questioned whether the invitation had resulted in a formal investigation, prosecution or any other lawful action.

“An invitation by the police should not become a substitute for prosecution where an investigation establishes that a criminal offence was committed,” HURIWA said.

It added that any subsequent explanation or denial attributed to the senator should not prevent law enforcement authorities from establishing the facts surrounding the alleged statement.

On Shekwolo, HURIWA referred to a widely circulated video in which the Kuje Area Council chairman was reportedly seen threatening residents who did not support the APC.

The association said the National Human Rights Commission subsequently called for his arrest and prosecution, describing the alleged conduct as intimidation and an assault on constitutional and democratic principles.

HURIWA therefore asked the police to explain the current status of the matter and why Nigerians had not been adequately informed about any prosecution arising from the allegation.

The association said residents must be free to support any political party or candidate of their choice without fear, coercion or intimidation.

HURIWA also raised concerns over statements attributed to Buba, the Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth and Sports Development.

According to the association, a circulating video appeared to show Buba making statements that could be interpreted as threatening opposition supporters with punishment if they refused to support the APC.

HURIWA said the allegation should be subjected to proper investigation under the relevant laws if the statement was established to have been made as alleged.

“Political office holders must understand that public office does not confer immunity from accountability for statements or actions that may violate the law,” the association said.

HURIWA criticised what it described as a gap between public warnings issued by security agencies and visible prosecution in some high-profile cases involving political actors.

It noted that the police had publicly described incitement as a criminal offence and had warned that persons whose statements threatened public peace could be arrested and prosecuted.

The association consequently challenged the police to match such declarations with concrete action, saying Nigerians should not be left with the impression that political affiliation determines who is investigated, arrested or prosecuted.

“If incitement is a criminal offence, the law must apply equally to everybody, regardless of political party, position or influence,” HURIWA said.

The group called on INEC, the police, the Department of State Services and the National Peace Committee to respond decisively to political statements capable of undermining peaceful participation in the 2027 elections.

It also urged political parties to discipline members whose public statements threaten peaceful political participation.

HURIWA said the 2027 general elections must not become a contest involving threats, intimidation and violence, urging security agencies to act before inflammatory rhetoric translates into physical attacks and loss of lives.

The association demanded that the Nigeria Police Force publicly disclose the status of investigations involving Fadahunsi, Shekwolo and Buba and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

HURIWA further called on security agencies to monitor political actors across party lines whose statements could threaten peaceful elections.

The association said the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy would be tested not only at the ballot box but also by the willingness of state institutions to enforce the law without fear or favour.