GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide warn against political intimidation, threats and thuggery
Guard Time Information (GTI) Human Rights Activists Nationwide has called on political parties, leaders, supporters and Nigerians at large to uphold free, fair, peaceful and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group condemned reported cases of intimidation, harassment and coercion targeting citizens over their political choices, insisting that every eligible voter has the right to choose freely at the polls.
Speaking in Abuja alongside legal practitioners and rights advocates, the Chairman of GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide, Comrade Bibi Oduku, said no one should be punished for their political affiliation.
“Every eligible Nigerian has the right to vote for the candidate or political party of his or her choice. Nobody should be threatened, intimidated, harassed or subjected to humiliation simply because of the way they choose to exercise their civic responsibility,” Oduku said.
He urged victims of political intimidation to come forward.
“We encourage citizens not to be afraid to report incidents of political intimidation, threats or harassment to the appropriate security agencies and credible human rights organisations for necessary action,” he added, pledging that GTI would support citizens whose rights are violated during the electoral process.
Oduku also warned young people and students against being used as tools for political violence, noting that such violence has claimed lives and destroyed property and communities in the past.
“Politics and voting are matters of choice. No citizen should be forced to support or vote for a particular candidate or political party through threats or intimidation. Elections should be conducted through peaceful participation, dialogue and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
As part of efforts to curb electoral violence, the Chairman announced that GTI will intensify its “Abstaining from Electoral Violence and Political Thuggery” campaign ahead of 2027. The initiative, he said, will focus on political education, peacebuilding, and sensitisation of youths, students and political supporters on the dangers of electoral violence while also promoting peaceful coexistence across party lines.
The group further called on Nigerians to cooperate with lawful security measures during elections, while urging security personnel to act professionally and within the law. Citizens, Oduku added, have the right to seek protection from relevant institutions whenever their safety is threatened.
GTI reiterated its call for the prompt reporting of electoral threats, violence, thuggery or corruption to appropriate authorities and rights organisations.
Comrade Oduku concluded by urging Nigerians to reject violence and allow the 2027 electoral process to be guided by peace, freedom of choice, respect for human rights, tolerance and the rule of law.
GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide said it remains committed to working with stakeholders to protect citizens’ rights before, during and after the elections.
