By Fatima Saka — ABUJA
Guard Time Information (GTI) Human Rights Activists Nationwide has called on political parties, leaders, supporters and Nigerians to reject intimidation, threats, violence and political thuggery ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group made the call in Abuja, stressing that eligible citizens must be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidates and political parties without fear, harassment, coercion or violence.
Chairman of GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide, Comrade Bibi Oduku, who spoke alongside legal practitioners and human rights advocates, said political differences should not be allowed to undermine citizens’ fundamental and democratic rights.
Oduku said no individual, political party or group should threaten, intimidate or harass citizens because of their political choices.
He said every eligible Nigerian had the right to vote for the candidate or political party of their choice, adding that nobody should be subjected to threats, intimidation or humiliation for exercising such civic responsibility.
The human rights advocate urged citizens who experienced political intimidation, threats or harassment to report such incidents to relevant security agencies and credible human rights organisations for appropriate action.
He said GTI was prepared to support citizens whose fundamental rights were allegedly violated during the electoral process, while urging political actors to resolve disagreements through lawful and peaceful means.
Oduku also cautioned youths, students and other Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used by politicians or political groups to perpetrate violence, intimidation or other unlawful activities.
According to him, electoral violence has previously resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and lasting consequences for families and communities.
He therefore urged political actors and their supporters to reject violence before, during and after the 2027 elections.
“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.
Oduku announced that GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide would intensify its programmes on “Abstaining from Electoral Violence and Political Thuggery” ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the programmes would focus on political education, peacebuilding, human rights awareness and sensitisation of political supporters, youths, students and members of the public on the dangers and consequences of electoral violence and political thuggery.
He added that the initiative would promote peaceful coexistence among supporters of different political parties and encourage Nigerians to understand that political differences should not become a basis for violence.
The organisation also urged citizens to respect the role of security agencies during elections and cooperate with lawful security measures designed to protect lives, property and the integrity of the electoral process.
Oduku reminded Nigerians that they had the right to seek protection from relevant government institutions whenever their safety or fundamental rights were threatened.
He, however, urged security personnel to discharge their responsibilities professionally and within the law, while calling on citizens to promptly report alleged electoral threats, intimidation, harassment, violence, political thuggery, corruption and other unlawful conduct to appropriate authorities and credible human rights organisations.
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GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and promoting peaceful democratic participation throughout the electoral process.
The organisation urged Nigerians to embrace peace, freedom of choice, respect for human rights, tolerance and the rule of law before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
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