By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to guarantee a free, fair, credible and violence-free general election in 2027, saying such a move would secure his place among the world's most respected democratic leaders.

The call was made by HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, who also announced the association's 18th National Human Rights Lecture focused on strengthening Nigeria's electoral process ahead of the next general election.

The rights group said its position followed allegations reportedly made by the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, concerning an interaction with President Tinubu during a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner attended by opposition leaders.

According to HURIWA, Adebayo had claimed that opposition figures sought assurances from the President that the 2027 elections would be transparent and fair.

"According to the SDP candidate's account, the President allegedly responded that he could not guarantee a free and fair election, arguing that when he was in the opposition, he also faced political intimidation and electoral disadvantages from those who controlled federal power," the association stated.

While noting that the claim remained Adebayo's account, HURIWA urged President Tinubu to publicly reassure Nigerians of his commitment to credible elections.

"HURIWA believes that President Tinubu now has a historic opportunity to demonstrate statesmanship by rising above the imperfections of the past and strengthening Nigeria's democratic foundations," Onwubiko said.

The association stressed that Nigerians expected the President to give an unequivocal commitment that the 2027 elections would be conducted in line with constitutional provisions, democratic principles and international best practices.

"HURIWA specifically urged the Federal Government, INEC, security agencies and all relevant institutions to guarantee free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful elections in 2027," the statement said.

The group also called for the criminalisation and vigorous prosecution of vote-buying and vote-selling, elimination of political thuggery and election violence, protection of opposition parties from intimidation, and strengthening of the independence of electoral institutions.

According to HURIWA, President Tinubu could earn global recognition if he successfully oversees a genuinely transparent electoral process.

"If President Tinubu successfully oversees a genuinely free and fair electoral process in 2027, he would earn a distinguished place in Nigeria's democratic history and gain international recognition as a statesman who prioritised national interest above partisan considerations," Onwubiko stated.

The association said such a legacy would place the President among globally admired leaders who strengthened democratic institutions and promoted national cohesion.

"HURIWA further noted that within Africa, former President Goodluck Jonathan continues to receive widespread commendation for respecting democratic principles and facilitating a peaceful transfer of power after the 2015 presidential election," the statement added.

Meanwhile, the organisation announced that its 18th National Human Rights Lecture would focus on electoral reforms and democratic accountability ahead of the 2027 polls.

The lecture, themed "Achieving Free and Fair Elections in 2027," will be delivered by public affairs analyst and scholar, Okey Ikechukwu.

According to HURIWA, the lecture will examine pathways for strengthening electoral integrity, citizen participation and institutional reforms necessary for credible elections.

The association said the event is scheduled to hold on June 24 and called on political leaders, civil society groups, electoral stakeholders, academics, students, diplomats, faith-based organisations and members of the public to participate.

"HURIWA reiterated that democracy can only thrive where elections reflect the genuine will of the people and where political competition is conducted peacefully, transparently and in accordance with the rule of law," the statement said.