By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify the basis of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike’s claim that he is certain of delivering Rivers State and the FCT to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

HURIWA said Wike’s declaration that he is “in charge” of the political structures in the two territories raises serious questions about the neutrality and credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike reportedly made the statement during a media chat with selected journalists in Abuja, where he described himself as the “general commander” of the political structure in Rivers State and said he was equally in charge in the FCT.

“It is certain that I will deliver two states, FCT and Rivers for Tinubu. You don’t need a governor to be in charge. I’m the general commander of the political structure in Rivers. In Rivers, I’m in charge. So also the FCT,” Wike was quoted as saying.

Reacting in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Thursday, HURIWA said the declaration should not be dismissed as ordinary political rhetoric.

The group asked whether Wike’s confidence was merely political ambition or whether he possessed information about the 2027 election outcome that was not available to Nigerians.

“Is INEC a stooge of the FCT Minister? How can a political actor express such extraordinary confidence about the outcome of an election that is yet to be conducted?” HURIWA asked.

The organisation maintained that public confidence in an election begins long before election day, arguing that Nigerians must be convinced that the electoral umpire is neutral and independent and that no individual or political structure can predetermine an election outcome.

HURIWA described Wike’s declaration as provocative and insensitive, particularly against the background of longstanding concerns over electoral manipulation, political interference and the abuse of state institutions.

The group consequently called on INEC to introduce and publicise additional measures capable of reassuring Nigerians that the 2027 elections would be conducted transparently and without interference from political actors.

“The commission must demonstrate, through concrete actions and not mere assurances, that no minister, governor, political party leader or influential political actor has the power to determine the outcome of an election before Nigerians cast their votes,” the statement said.

HURIWA acknowledged that Wike was entitled to mobilise political support for his preferred candidate and deploy his political influence within the law.

However, it said publicly declaring certainty about delivering specific territories to a presidential candidate before votes are cast creates an uncomfortable perception that requires clarification from the electoral commission.

The rights group therefore challenged INEC to reassure Nigerians that every vote in 2027 would count and that the final outcome would be determined by voters rather than political “commanders” or alleged backroom arrangements.

“Nigeria cannot afford another electoral process shrouded in suspicion. The 2027 elections must be free, fair, transparent, credible and demonstrably independent,” HURIWA said.