The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to rise and demand accountability from political parties fielding candidates with unresolved corruption cases.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the rights’ group said corruption remains Nigeria’s number one enemy and must not be normalized in politics.
HURIWA said Nigerians must forcefully, peacefully and persistently demand answers from parties, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC), and any other party that gives tickets to former governors and other public office holders facing corruption allegations or ongoing prosecution.
“Who decided these candidates were fit to seek public office? What standards did the parties apply? What message do they send when they ask citizens to entrust public power to people whose cases remain unresolved?” the group queried.
The Association stressed that while an allegation is not a conviction and every accused person is entitled to presumption of innocence and fair hearing, that principle should not be used as a shield against public scrutiny.
On the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), HURIWA said it understands the Commission is not the judge, but noted that Nigerians have the right to ask what is happening in high-profile cases and expect clear updates.
It specifically cited the case of former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, which the EFCC says is before two courts, saying the public has watched with mounting frustration.
“If the EFCC calls these demands ‘harassment,’ then HURIWA calls them righteous harassment: the unrelenting, peaceful pressure of citizens who refuse to let powerful people and public institutions bury questions of accountability,” the statement said.
HURIWA called on the APC and other parties to publicly defend fielding such candidates, on the EFCC to pursue cases without fear or favour and provide timely updates, and on the judiciary to ensure fair and timely hearings.
“Corruption steals from every Nigerian. It is stolen opportunity: the unsafe classroom, the neglected hospital, the insecure community, the unemployed young person. Nigerians must reject corruption — loudly, collectively and without exception,” it said.