Over 100 human rights organizations from Nigeria and across the globe have requested that the National Assembly abandon several proposed bills they claim will diminish civic space prior to the 2027 elections. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of CISLAC, presented the petition in Abuja, warning that these laws grant the executive branch excessive power and threaten fundamental rights such as free speech, media freedom, and peaceful assembly.
The coalition highlighted recent challenges since May 2023, specifically noting the legal action against Omoyele Sowore, tensions involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and the application of the Cybercrimes Act to target critics. Reports from groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists were also cited, detailing a pattern of harassment against media personnel.
Specific criticism was directed at the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026. The coalition argues that this legislation creates unnecessary oversight by a new commission, essentially duplicating the roles of the CAC and EFCC while opening the door to political interference. Furthermore, the groups voiced strong opposition to a proposed requirement for social media platforms to maintain physical offices in Nigeria, warning that this could lead to censorship and deter investment.
The petitioners emphasized that these moves violate both the 1999 Constitution and international human rights agreements. They are calling on legislative leaders to prioritize democratic values and conduct extensive public consultations before advancing any reforms that might infringe upon civil liberties.
