2027 Polls: Civil Society Coalition Raises Alarm Over Alleged Political Intimidation, Abuse of Security Agencies in South-East

By Praise Chinecherem

A coalition of civil society organisations has raised the alarm over alleged political intimidation, suppression of opposition activities and abuse of security institutions across the South-East, warning that the growing threats to civic freedoms could undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition, comprising the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF) and Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), called on governors, security agencies and other relevant authorities to urgently address reported cases of political harassment, unlawful arrests, violence and restrictions on opposition activities across the region.

In a joint statement, the organisations expressed concern over reported incidents in Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States, insisting that the allegations required independent investigations, institutional accountability and appropriate remedies for affected persons.

They warned that the alleged misuse of security institutions and state-supported security outfits for political purposes could create an atmosphere of fear, discourage political participation and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.

Anambra: Coalition Seeks Answers Over Reported Shooting, Disappearance

In Anambra State, the coalition expressed concern over an October 17 incident in Achalla involving the reported shooting and disappearance of a man identified as Chibuzor, popularly known as Ability.

It also raised concerns over the arrest and alleged brutalisation of Jude Nwoye Anokwu and other individuals, as well as reported interference with police bail procedures.

The organisations called for an independent investigation into the incident and demanded immediate clarification of Chibuzor’s whereabouts and condition.

They, however, acknowledged that the Anambra State Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Mr Ken Emeakayi, had disputed allegations concerning the involvement of the security outfit in private disputes.

The coalition maintained that the conflicting accounts surrounding the incident made an impartial investigation necessary to establish the facts and ensure accountability wherever wrongdoing was established.

Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo Incidents Raise Further Concerns

In Enugu State, the organisations cited a reported attack on a political meeting in Obuoffia-Awkunanaw and the subsequent prosecution and remand of Ani Chidi.

They also raised concerns over allegations of political interference in the withdrawal of a venue reportedly booked for an opposition town hall meeting.

In Ebonyi State, the coalition referenced allegations of intimidation involving opposition candidates, the detention of a political party women’s leader and interference with the business premises of a political organiser.

Similarly, in Imo State, the organisations expressed concern over the reported detention and subsequent release on bail of lawyer and human rights defender, Chinedu Agu, following a petition connected with an internal Nigerian Bar Association dispute.

While acknowledging that the incidents differed in their circumstances and legal status, the coalition insisted that all allegations deserved impartial scrutiny and that the rights of affected individuals must be protected.

‘No Governor or Political Party Owns Any State’

The organisations warned that the restriction of civic space through violence, threats, selective arrests and disruption of lawful political gatherings could undermine the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.

They stressed that political competition must be guided by constitutional guarantees and respect for fundamental human rights, rather than intimidation or the deployment of security institutions against perceived opponents.

“No governor or political party owns any state or community. Citizens have the constitutional right to support or reject political candidates without fear of punishment, harassment or intimidation,” the coalition maintained.

They urged governors across the South-East to ensure that security institutions operate professionally and remain independent of partisan political interests.

The coalition specifically called on the Inspector-General of Police and relevant oversight institutions to investigate reported attacks on political gatherings, protect opposition activities and prevent the partisan deployment of police personnel, intelligence agencies, vigilantes and state-supported security outfits.

Other demands included proper documentation of arrests and transfers, disclosure of the whereabouts of detained persons, protection of journalists and human rights defenders, and measures to prevent political leaders from recruiting or arming youths to intimidate opponents.

Coalition Demands Regional Early-Warning Mechanism

Beyond investigating individual incidents, the organisations called for the activation of regional early-warning and response mechanisms through the South-East Human Rights Bureau.

They proposed the involvement of civil society organisations, lawyers, journalists and community stakeholders in confidential reporting, monitoring and documentation of human rights violations across the region.

The coalition recalled that a one-day accountability dialogue on civic space, held in Owerri, Imo State, on September 23, 2026, had recommended the establishment of institutional focal persons and referral channels within 30 days.

According to the organisations, the initial deadline has elapsed, making it necessary for participating institutions to provide updates on the implementation of the recommendations.

They consequently requested initial written responses from relevant authorities within 14 days, stressing that cases involving threats to life and missing persons required immediate attention.

The coalition also called for a follow-up review within six months to assess the level of compliance and determine whether the recommended accountability measures had been implemented.

The organisations maintained that public institutions must demonstrate through concrete actions that political affiliation does not determine citizens’ access to protection, justice and the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

They warned that allowing political intimidation and alleged abuse of security institutions to persist could erode public confidence in democratic governance and threaten the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition therefore urged South-East political leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders to protect civic space, uphold the rule of law and ensure that every citizen can participate freely in the democratic process without fear.
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