Prosper Okoye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called on the Department of State Services to question, and possibly arrest, Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo over remarks it says could incite political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group’s demand follows a viral video and audio clip in which Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, was reported to have warned that opposition politicians, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, should not campaign in the South-West, declaring support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term.
In a statement, HURIWA described the alleged comments as “dangerous and unlawful,” saying they risk heightening tensions in a region already sensitive to political and ethnic divisions.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIt urged security agencies to act swiftly to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of movement, association and political participation across the country, the group said, warning that attempts by individuals to restrict political activities undermine democratic norms.
HURIWA also cited concerns stemming from the 2023 elections, when incidents of voter intimidation were reported in parts of the South-West. The group referenced controversies involving Musiliu Akinsanya, who faced criticism over alleged threats to non-indigenous voters during the Lagos governorship poll.
The association further pointed to what it described as inflammatory rhetoric by some political actors, including presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, saying such narratives contribute to a climate of intolerance.
It warned that failure by authorities to address the situation could create perceptions of selective enforcement or complicity, and cautioned that attacks on opposition figures in one region could trigger retaliatory violence elsewhere.
HURIWA called on Tinubu to publicly distance himself from any individuals issuing threats in his name and to direct security agencies to enforce the law impartially.
The Department of State Services and the police have not publicly responded to the call.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
