The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called on all presidential candidates in the 2027 general elections to use the 150-day campaign window to engage Nigerians on policy, development plans and practical solutions, instead of resorting to hate speech, ethnic mobilisation and divisive rhetoric.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, Huriwa said the start of the presidential campaign should begin a serious national conversation about the future of the country, not another cycle of empty promises, name-calling and exploitation of religious and ethnic fault lines.
The group urged candidates and their supporters to conduct campaigns with restraint, civility and respect for the constitutional rights of opponents and citizens.
According to Huriwa, Nigerians deserve to know in clear and measurable terms what each candidate will do differently if elected, and how such programmes will be funded and implemented. Candidates should go beyond manifestos and slogans and explain the specific strategies, institutions, timelines and resources to be deployed.
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HURIWA said the central issues of the 2027 campaign must include national unity, poverty reduction, job creation, economic stability, industrialisation, human rights, constitutionalism, security and the rule of law. It added that elections should not continue to be driven mainly by ethnic, religious or regional calculations while millions face poverty, unemployment and insecurity.
—Economy And Industrialisation—
HURIWA challenged candidates to present economic blueprints that will move Nigeria from an import-dependent and consumption-driven economy to one built on production, manufacturing, agriculture, technology and value addition.
Candidates must explain how they will reduce inflation, expand employment, support small and medium enterprises, attract investment and create an enabling environment for industries nationwide.
The organisation called for concrete plans to industrialise all 36 states, noting that development must not remain concentrated in a few major cities. Each state has unique resources and advantages that can generate jobs, increase internally generated revenue and reduce dependence on federal allocations.
Candidates were also asked to state how they will attract genuine Foreign Direct Investment, protect investors without compromising national interest, and use foreign policy to advance economic development.
—Security And Counter-Terrorism—
On security, Huriwa urged candidates to provide detailed strategies for ending terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes affecting communities across the country. The next administration must have a clear plan for achieving decisive results in the war against insecurity.
The group also called for stronger cooperation among the military, police and intelligence agencies, and urged support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, saying the fight against illicit drugs is linked to national security and youth development.
—Police Reform And Political Violence—
HURIWA demanded that candidates state their positions on functional policing at federal and state levels. Policing must be professional, accountable, adequately funded and free from partisan control.
The organisation cautioned law enforcement agencies against being used as political tools, and warned that using security agencies to intimidate opponents will weaken public confidence and democracy.
It called for zero tolerance for armed political thuggery, electoral violence and intimidation, and said security agencies must provide equal protection to all candidates, parties and citizens.
—Human Rights, Rule Of Law And Legislative Independence—
HURIWA challenged candidates to make firm commitments to protecting fundamental human rights and strengthening the rule of law. Respect for constitutional rights must not depend on political support.
The group also demanded commitments to legislative independence, saying a functional democracy requires effective checks and balances. The National Assembly must be allowed to perform its duties without undue executive interference, while lawmakers must remain accountable to the people.
—Gender Equality—
The organisation urged candidates to explain how their administrations will promote equality in employment, politics, commerce and education. Women and other underrepresented groups should not be treated only as campaign audiences. Political parties must show commitment to inclusive governance through specific policies and targets.
—Billboards, Campaign Regulation And Freedom Of Information—
HURIWA condemned attempts by some state governments to impose excessive fees on political billboards that could restrict political communication. While states have the right to regulate outdoor advertising, such rules must not be used to suppress expression or deny opposition parties fair access to voters.
The group called for reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory charges for campaign materials. It also urged candidates and supporters to respect environmental regulations and avoid dumping waste, destroying infrastructure or obstructing roads during mobilisation.
—Climate Change And Natural Disasters—
HURIWA said climate change and disaster preparedness must feature in the 2027 debate. Candidates should present plans to address flooding, erosion, drought and extreme weather events through early-warning systems, flood control, urban planning, environmental protection and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The organisation said natural disasters can no longer be treated as seasonal emergencies requiring only temporary response.
—-Foreign Policy And Investment—
Candidates were also asked to articulate foreign policy positions that will restore Nigeria’s influence in Africa and strengthen ties with global economic partners.
HURIWA said diplomacy should be used to attract Foreign Direct Investment, expand exports, promote Nigerian businesses abroad and protect Nigerians in the diaspora. Foreign policy must be linked to economic and development objectives.
—A Campaign Of Ideas, Not Division—
HURIWA said the campaign period offers an opportunity to elevate political discourse and urged candidates, parties and supporters to resist exploiting religious, ethnic and regional differences.
“The Nigerian people deserve a campaign of ideas, not a campaign of hatred; a campaign of development, not a campaign of division; and a campaign of accountability, not a campaign of propaganda,” the organisation said.
It added that candidates must subject their records and proposals to public scrutiny and tell Nigerians what they will do, how, when and with what resources.
HURIWA called on the media, civil society, professional bodies, religious institutions and voters to demand issue-based debates and hold candidates accountable.
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The organisation said the 2027 election must be about the right of Nigerians to live in a secure, prosperous, democratic and rights-respecting country.
As campaigns begin, HURIWA urged Nigerians to look beyond rallies and inflammatory speeches and carefully examine the records, competence, character and policy proposals of every candidate.
