InterSociety threatens international sanctions against Soludo, five governors over alleged political intolerance
By Sunny A. David, Awka
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) has threatened to pursue international sanctions, including possible travel restrictions to Europe and the Americas, against six Nigerian governors over alleged political intolerance and restrictions on opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation, in a statement issued in Enugu on Tuesday, listed Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
InterSociety alleged that the governors and individuals associated with their administrations had engaged in political exclusion, intimidation of opposition figures, abuse of state power and restrictions on civic activities.
The group described what it termed an emerging pattern of political intolerance across parts of the South-East, South-South and North-Central, particularly in relation to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
According to the organisation, opposition supporters had allegedly faced attacks and restrictions in some of the affected states.
It cited an alleged gun attack during an NDC ward meeting in Enugu, which it said left four people injured, as well as claims that Obi was prevented from entering Benue State on two occasions.
InterSociety also raised concerns about the preparedness and independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation referred to an earlier allegation by former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, concerning an alleged pre-signed resignation letter involving INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN.
InterSociety said that if the allegation were established, it would raise questions about the independence of the electoral commission.
The group further expressed concern over alleged challenges involving the voters’ register, production of Permanent Voter Cards, voter transfers and missing names on polling-unit registers.
It warned that unresolved problems with the electoral register could result in eligible voters being disenfranchised ahead of the 2027 elections.
On Anambra State, InterSociety alleged that political considerations had influenced some aspects of INEC operations, including the posting and transfer of personnel.
It also accused Governor Soludo of allegedly using the state government’s machinery to support President Bola Tinubu and oppose Obi, while raising questions about governance and financial accountability in the state.
In Benue, the organisation alleged that Governor Alia had not done enough to protect residents from armed attacks while also accusing his administration of restricting opposition activities.
Similar allegations of political intimidation and shrinking civic space were made against the governments of Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
The governors and their administrations were not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the publication of the report.
InterSociety urged the governors to refrain from actions that could further heighten political tensions, stressing that the right of citizens to vote and contest elections is fundamental to democratic governance.
It also called on opposition political parties to closely scrutinise INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections and demand greater transparency in the electoral process.
The organisation warned that what it described as political intolerance, electoral manipulation and suppression of civic activities could attract international attention and possible sanctions.
It said it would intensify international advocacy for measures against officials found to be involved in such conduct, maintaining that democratic participation should prevail over political violence.
