By Chioma Obinna

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has formally petitioned the United States Government through the American Embassy in Abuja, demanding targeted sanctions against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over alleged sustained actions undermining democracy in Nigeria.

In a detailed letter, the civil rights organisation accused Wike of electoral misconduct, political intimidation, and efforts to erode judicial independence, warning that “electoral democracy is under threat in Nigeria.”

HURIWA cited Wike’s tenure as Governor of Rivers State (2015–2023), alleging violence, intimidation of opposition candidates, and manipulation of elections during the 2019 and 2023 cycles.

“In the 2023 elections in Rivers State, opposition candidates were intimidated, assaulted, and systematically excluded. Aspirants were arrested, detained, and disqualified under questionable circumstances,” HURIWA stated.

“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a major party candidate was effectively barred from campaigning. The elections were marred by widespread violence and manipulated results, allegedly with the complicity of security agencies and electoral officials.”

The group warned that Wike’s influence persists even after leaving office, citing incidents involving incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“Just last December, Wike toured all Local Government Areas in Rivers State in what he called a thank-you visit. At virtually every stop, he criticised the Governor and poured invectives on the office,” HURIWA said.
The organisation also claimed that Wike attempted to destabilise the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and allegedly pressured the party against fielding a presidential candidate in 2027.

HURIWA referenced commentary by legal experts, including Chidi Odinkalu, highlighting concerns about political interference in court rulings affecting intra-party disputes.

“Nigeria’s judiciary must remain independent. Any perception of manipulation threatens democratic consolidation,” the petition warned.

The petition also raised alarms over Wike’s comments during a televised interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he jokingly said he would have “shot” the screen in response to the interviewer.

“Rhetoric like this from a senior public official is unacceptable and contributes to a climate of intimidation against journalists,” HURIWA stated, echoing calls by the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) for a formal apology.

HURIWA urged the U.S. to review its claims and, if substantiated, consider measures including visa restrictions and diplomatic actions to deter further democratic backsliding.

“The deployment of power must always be subject to accountability. Nigeria must not be allowed to drift toward authoritarian tendencies,” said Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA.

The group emphasised that the petition is a call for principled diplomatic pressure, not external interference, citing the potential regional and global consequences of democratic erosion in Africa’s most populous nation.