BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns over what it described as emerging efforts by certain political actors to deploy reputable international media platforms as instruments of political contestation against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the organisation had received information it considers credible suggesting that documentary-style productions and special investigative reports may be in preparation, allegedly aimed at damaging the reputation of the current government.

According to him, preliminary indications suggest that top members of the Federal Executive Council could be principal targets of what the group described as a coordinated reputational offensive.

Onwubiko emphasised that HURIWA is not opposed to investigative journalism, describing it as a cornerstone of democracy that strengthens institutions, exposes wrongdoing, and promotes accountability.

However, he cautioned against what he termed the weaponisation of investigative reporting for political purposes.

He said, “What deeply concerns us is the possibility that investigative reporting could be weaponised as a political tool, particularly where allegations are presented without verifiable and substantiated evidence,” he said.

The civil society organisation noted that there is a growing global pattern during election cycles where information spaces are deliberately manipulated to shape public perception and influence electoral outcomes.

“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, Nigeria must not become vulnerable to such tactics,” Onwubiko stated.

He clarified that the association’s intervention was not intended to shield any individual from scrutiny but to protect the integrity of democratic discourse.

“Where there is credible evidence of wrongdoing, it must be transparently presented and lawfully investigated. No public office holder should be above accountability. But equally, democracy must not become a theatre for campaigns of calumny driven by partisan calculations,” he said.

HURIWA called on international media organisations to uphold the highest standards of editorial independence and evidentiary rigour, urging reputable platforms to ensure that documentary productions are grounded in facts rather than political sponsorship.

The group also urged political actors across party lines to refrain from covert influence operations that could damage Nigeria’s global reputation, while calling on government institutions to remain transparent and open to lawful scrutiny.

It further advised Nigerian citizens to critically evaluate sensational narratives as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.

“This is not about personalities. It is about institutions. It is not about partisanship. It is about principle,” Onwubiko said, adding that democracy thrives on truth, transparency, and responsibility.

The organisation pledged to continue monitoring developments and to speak out wherever it believes democratic integrity is threatened.