HURIWA Warns of Alleged Foreign Media Plot to Undermine Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Elections

HURIWA

HURIWA Warns of Alleged Foreign Media Plot to Undermine Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sounded the alarm over what it described as emerging plans by certain political interests to allegedly use respected international media platforms as tools to undermine President Bola Tinubu and influence the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the human rights group has obtained what it considers credible information that documentary‑style features and special investigative reports are being prepared with the intent to portray the current government negatively and damage its reputation ahead of the polls.

Onwubiko suggested that early indicators point to senior members of the Federal Executive Council being prime subjects of what HURIWA characterises as an organised reputational attack orchestrated through foreign media narratives.

While emphasising that HURIWA supports investigative journalism as a crucial democratic tool, Onwubiko warned against the politicisation and misuse of investigative reporting for partisan ends, especially when claims are unverified or lack substantiation.

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“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.

HURIWA noted that globally, election cycles have increasingly seen efforts to manipulate information environments to sway public opinion and impact electoral outcomes — a challenge, Onwubiko said, Nigeria should guard against as it approaches its 2027 polls. Civil society groups, including HURIWA, have in recent months also raised separate concerns about the credibility and fairness of Nigeria’s electoral frameworks, particularly electoral laws, transmission of results and institutional independence — issues many believe could affect public trust in the election process. (THISDAYLIVE)

The activist stressed that the group’s stance is not to shield office holders from legitimate scrutiny, but to protect the integrity of democratic engagement.

“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,” Onwubiko said.

HURIWA also called on international media organisations to uphold strict editorial independence, adhere to rigorous evidentiary standards, and ensure that documentary productions and investigative reports are rooted in verified facts rather than influenced by political sponsorship.

The group further urged Nigerian political stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation, to steer clear of clandestine influence strategies that could tarnish Nigeria’s democratic reputation. It also encouraged government institutions to remain transparent and open to legitimate journalistic scrutiny.

In addition, HURIWA appealed to Nigerians to approach sensational claims with caution as the country draws nearer to the 2027 elections.

“This is not about personalities. It is about institutions. It is not about partisanship. It is about principle,” Onwubiko concluded, affirming that HURIWA will continue to monitor developments and raise its voice whenever it perceives threats to democratic integrity.

The warning comes amid a broader climate of political tension and debate over election preparedness, including commentary from other civil society organisations regarding electoral laws and the integrity of the 2027 polls. (THISDAYLIVE)