The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address reports that it provided the 2027 Candidates’ Access Code to a specific faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). HURIWA warned that such actions could interfere with active legal challenges regarding the party’s leadership.
National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko emphasized that INEC is obligated to be transparent. He noted that the commission’s failure to address these claims is damaging public trust in the electoral system. The group specifically questioned whether the code was handed to a faction associated with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, asking for the legal justification for such a move while the party’s leadership remains in dispute.
HURIWA referenced a Court of Appeal ruling concerning the expiration of tenure for former officials, which cast doubt on the legitimacy of the March 2026 convention. Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees, under Adolphus Wabara, has formed an interim committee led by Kabir Tanimu Turaki and initiated a lawsuit in the Federal High Court to secure recognition. A hearing for this case is scheduled for July 7, 2026.
The association cautioned the electoral commission against taking administrative steps that might prejudice the court or render the pending case moot. HURIWA requested an immediate public confirmation on whether the access code has been released. If the code was issued prematurely, the group demands an immediate reversal to uphold fairness and ensure that the commission remains neutral until the judicial process concludes.
