A coalition of civil society organisations has raised concerns over alleged political intimidation, disruption of opposition gatherings and the misuse of security institutions across Southeast, warning that shrinking civic space could undermine preparations for 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), made the call in a press statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026.
The organisations called on governors, security agencies and other public institutions to guarantee citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, political participation and freedom of expression, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The statement followed concerns raised at a one-day focused closed-door accountability dialogue on civic space held in Owerri, Imo State, on September 23, 2026, with support from the Fund for Global Human Rights through the Action Group on Free Civic Space.
The dialogue was organised under a project titled, “From Silencing to Accountability: Challenging the Securitisation of Civic Space in Southeast Nigeria,” covering Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
Highlighting recent developments across the region, the groups expressed concern over reported incidents of political violence, alleged intimidation of opposition figures, arrests and interference with civic activities.
In Enugu State, the organisations cited the reported attack on a political meeting in Obuoffia-Awkunanaw and the subsequent prosecution and remand of Ani Chidi.
They noted that the Police maintained that Chidi was prosecuted over alleged cyberbullying and threats arising from his publications, rather than for recording the attack.
The groups called for independent scrutiny of the evidence and court proceedings, as well as investigations into the underlying violence and protection for witnesses.
It also raised concerns over reports that a venue booked for an opposition town hall in Enugu was withdrawn in late October. While organisers alleged political interference, Governor Peter Mbah denied directing the withdrawal.
In Ebonyi State, the groups cited allegations of intimidation of opposition candidates, detention of a party women’s leader and interference with a political organiser’s business premises.
They acknowledged that state authorities had disputed claims of political repression and that the Police had affirmed their neutrality, but insisted that such assurances must be backed by verifiable action.
The consortium also drew attention to the October 17 incident in Achalla, Anambra State, involving the reported shooting and disappearance of Chibuzor, popularly known as “Ability”, as well as the arrest and alleged brutalisation of Jude Nwoye Anokwu and others.
It called for an independent investigation into the incident, immediate clarification of Chibuzor’s whereabouts and condition, and the preservation of relevant custody, operational and medical records.
The statement noted that Mr Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser on Community Security to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, had disputed allegations linking the state-supported security outfit to private disputes.
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 dispute within the Nigerian Bar Association.
They said the circumstances surrounding his detention required fair examination, stressing that lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders should be able to raise public interest concerns without fear of reprisals.
According to the group, although the incidents differ in their facts and legal status, they point to the need for stronger institutional accountability.
“These incidents differ in their facts and procedural status. They nevertheless demand a common institutional response: establish what happened, protect those at risk, disclose the lawful basis for coercive action and ensure consequences where wrongdoing is proved,” the statement said.
The organisations warned that political intimidation, selective arrests, threats and restrictions on opposition gatherings could undermine democratic participation even before the commencement of formal election campaigns.
They stressed that no political party or elected official owns a state or has the authority to dictate citizens’ political preferences.
“No political party owns a state. No governor owns a local government or community. Public officials cannot commit an electorate to a candidate or party,” the consortium stated.
It added that citizens must remain free to support, reject or change their political preferences without punishment.
The groups also maintained that governors’ endorsements of political candidates were expressions of personal or political opinions and could not be imposed on the electorate.
They consequently called on governors, local government authorities and security agencies across the five Southeast states to guarantee equal protection for peaceful political meetings, consultations, campaigns and civic gatherings.
Among other demands, the consortium urged the Inspector-General of Police and relevant oversight institutions to investigate reported attacks on political gatherings, threats against opposition figures and alleged interference with lawful civic activities.
It called for an end to the partisan use of public institutions, including the Police, intelligence agencies, vigilantes and state-supported security outfits.
The organisations further demanded that every arrest be supported by a lawful basis, with detainees granted access to lawyers, family members and necessary medical care.
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They also urged authorities to maintain reliable arrest and transfer records, disclose the locations of detainees through lawful channels and urgently investigate allegations of disappearance or unofficial detention.
The consortium called on political leaders to reject political thuggery, warning against the recruitment, financing or arming of young people to intimidate political opponents.
It also emphasised the need to protect women, young people, students, persons with disabilities and rural communities from discrimination and barriers to political participation.
Beyond its immediate demands, the consortium called for the activation of regional early warning and response mechanisms through the Southeast Human Rights Bureau, civil society organisations, lawyers, journalists and community stakeholders.
It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and justice institutions to designate accessible contact persons and establish channels for receiving and responding to reports of threats.
The organisations also expressed concern that the 30-day period earlier proposed for participating institutions to designate focal persons and establish referral channels had elapsed without the expected accountability updates.
They therefore called on relevant institutions to disclose their implementation status, including designated contacts, complaints received, actions taken, protection provided and outstanding cases.
The consortium requested initial written responses from relevant authorities within 14 days of the November 6 statement.
It, however, stressed that cases involving threats to life and missing persons required immediate intervention.