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

At the centre of HURIWA’s concern is 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 is critical to democratic competition.

The group, In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, 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 are required to submit membership registers by May 10, 2026, while party primaries are scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaign activities are 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,” HURIWA stated. “If left unchecked, such perceptions could severely damage public trust in the neutrality and independence of the judiciary.”

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

Beyond the immediate legal disputes, HURIWA stressed that the implications of the delay extend to the broader architecture of Nigeria’s democracy. It warned that a weakened or fragmented opposition landscape could inadvertently pave the way for a dominant-party system, thereby reducing electoral competitiveness and limiting voters’ ability to make meaningful choices.

The association argued that democracy thrives on the strength of viable opposition, institutional balance, and the timely administration of justice—all of which are now being tested by the current situation.

In a significant escalation of its position, HURIWA called on key international partners—including the governments of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom—to closely monitor Nigeria’s judicial and electoral processes.

It urged these nations to deploy diplomatic pressure in defence of democratic norms and to consider targeted measures, including travel advisories and visa restrictions, should credible evidence emerge of judicial compromise or political manipulation of court outcomes.

HURIWA emphasised that such international scrutiny is not an infringement on sovereignty but a necessary safeguard in a global democratic order where the credibility of electoral systems carries both domestic and international consequences.

The group further called on the judiciary to rise above partisan perceptions and uphold its constitutional responsibility as the ultimate arbiter of justice, stressing that delayed justice in politically sensitive cases is not merely administrative inefficiency but a potential catalyst for democratic instability.

“The Supreme Court must recognise that this is not just about party leadership disputes,” the statement concluded. “It is about the preservation of Nigeria’s democratic integrity, the credibility of its institutions, and the confidence of its citizens in the rule of law. Both PDP and ADC are victims of sponsored moles and saboteurs planted and embedded in these political opposition formation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his party All Progressives Congress both of whom are very desperate to win election without any serious competitiveness. There is no doubt that Nigerians are aware that the credible leaders of these two parties have under intensive and massive attacks by the APC-led federal government using the minister of FCT and the APC to attempt to fictionalised these political opposition parties that have quality and independent opposition politicians including tested and trusted personalities such as the erstwhile governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and several other heavyweights whose presence in the opposition camp have scared the living dead out of the incumbent president whose poor performance in the last three years and half makes his administration vulnerable to be defeated should there be a free and fair contest. This is the fundamental factor behind the sponsorship of moles and saboteurs by the federal government and the ruling party to create atmosphere of instability and factional infighting to make way for a walk-over by the desperate incumbent president. Nigerians know these facts too well. INEC has also been recruited to scuttle a free and fair election. We hereby warn against carrying on with these plots to scatter strong opposition politicians because a democracy without viable opposition is dead.

HURIWA therefore demanded the immediate delivery of clear, decisive, and constitutionally grounded judgments that will restore certainty, stabilise the political environment, and ensure that all parties operate on a level playing field as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections. ALL EYES ARE ON THE SUPREME COURT and we hope there wouldn’t be any Supreme foolery or magic coming out from their side.

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