By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the National Security Adviser to establish a joint security task force to protect political parties, candidates and their supporters amid reported attacks and growing political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The association made the demand in a press statement dated November 3, 2026, signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko.

HURIWA condemned reported attacks on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, APC supporters in Katsina State and the disruption of Governor Alex Otti’s re-election campaign inauguration in Abia State.

It also condemned the reported assault on human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

In Enugu, suspected armed political thugs reportedly attacked an NDC ward meeting in Obuofia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, leaving several members injured. The party identified eight members who it said sustained gunshot injuries, while the Enugu State Police Command reportedly confirmed that armed hoodlums disrupted the meeting and injured attendees.

HURIWA demanded a thorough investigation, the arrest of those responsible and their prosecution, insisting that political meetings and peaceful association are fundamental rights that security agencies must protect regardless of party affiliation.

The association also condemned the reported attack on APC supporters travelling to Funtua for the flag-off of Governor Dikko Radda’s re-election campaign.

The incident reportedly occurred in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, where suspected hoodlums allegedly threw stones and other objects at vehicles conveying the supporters, shattering windscreens and windows and leaving some people with minor injuries.

HURIWA called on the police to identify the attackers, establish their motives and political affiliations through credible investigations, and prosecute anyone found culpable.

In Abia State, the association condemned the disruption of Governor Alex Otti’s re-election campaign inauguration at Umuahia Township Stadium, where competing political groups reportedly caused disorder during the proceedings, including a church service.

It warned political parties and their supporters against turning campaign grounds into scenes of violence and intimidation.

On the reported assault on Sowore and his team in Ado-Ekiti, HURIWA said the activist alleged that a mobile phone stolen during the attack had been traced to the Ekiti State Governor’s Lodge.

Sowore has also demanded that the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) release CCTV footage from Tawakalitu Restaurant, where the incident reportedly occurred.

HURIWA called for a transparent and impartial investigation, urging the police and DSS to establish the whereabouts of the phone, examine relevant evidence and identify those responsible.

The association, however, cautioned against treating allegations against named individuals as established facts without credible evidence.

It said, “HURIWA cautions against treating allegations against named individuals as established facts without credible evidence. The association insists that investigators must pursue the case professionally and hold accountable anyone whose involvement they establish.”

HURIWA demands joint security task force

The association urged the National Security Adviser to establish a task force comprising professional, patriotic and non-partisan security personnel to prevent attacks, respond swiftly to threats and secure political activities across the country.

It also called on the police, DSS and other relevant agencies to introduce a coordinated security framework for campaign rallies, ward meetings, campaign tours and other political engagements.

HURIWA demanded stronger intelligence gathering, effective early-warning mechanisms and prompt investigations into politically motivated violence.

It further called for the prosecution of anyone found to have sponsored, financed, armed or coordinated political attacks, regardless of political status or connections.

Warns against escalation

The rights group warned that failure by security agencies to confront political violence could embolden armed groups, deepen political intolerance and undermine public confidence in the 2027 elections.

It urged political parties to discipline violent supporters, reject the use of armed thugs and cooperate with security agencies to identify perpetrators.

“Credible elections require more than transparent voting and accurate results. HURIWA says the electoral process must guarantee the freedom of political parties to organise, mobilise supporters and campaign without threats to their lives.”

The association maintained that every political party and candidate must enjoy equal protection under the law, warning that political thuggery, armed intimidation and organised violence must not be allowed to overwhelm democratic institutions.

It called on the Federal Government, security agencies, political parties and civil society organisations to work together to guarantee peaceful political competition, accountability and respect for democratic freedoms ahead of the 2027 general elections.