The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a stark warning that the countrys deepening economic crisis may derail the credibility of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a detailed statement released on Sunday, the civil rights group urged federal and state leaders to pivot toward policies that genuinely uplift the masses rather than exacerbating their financial desperation.
The groups National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed grave concern that Nigerias current economic trajectory lacks the “pro-poor” and “pro-growth” focus necessary to prevent the electoral process from being hijacked by financial inducements.
HURIWAs primary concern lies in the intersection of extreme vulnerability and democratic choice. The group argues that when the majority of the population is preoccupied with basic survival, the foundational principles of a fair election are threatened.
HURIWA is worried that economic choices being made today are not sufficiently focused on reducing poverty or strengthening the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians. When large segments of the population are economically vulnerable, elections themselves risk being distorted, the statement read.
The organization further alleged that the current administration is concentrating public resources within a “narrow circle,” a move they say sidelines the average citizen.
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The pattern we observe is one where political appointments and access to lucrative contracts appear to favour a narrow circle of political associates. This approach does little to address mass unemployment or rising living costs faced by the majority, HURIWA noted.
Beyond general economic hardship, HURIWA took aim at recent legislative changes regarding campaign finance. The group believes that higher spending thresholds will effectively shut out qualified but less-wealthy candidates.
Raising campaign spending limits may unintentionally entrench the influence of money in politics and limit opportunities for credible candidates who lack wealthy godfathers, the group warned.
HURIWA further cautioned that widespread poverty makes the electorate a “soft target” for vote-buying. When citizens are hungry and desperate, the integrity of the ballot is put at risk. Elections should be contests of ideas and performance, not of who can offer short-term relief to struggling voters, they stated.
The rights group anchored its warnings on the Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), alongside data from the World Bank and the World Food Programme (WFP). These reports paint a grim picture of persistent inflation and stagnant income growth.
Reflecting on the PwC projections, HURIWA remarked that this is a sobering outlook as the country heads toward another election cycle. They highlighted that even if macro-economic indicators improve slightly, the “on-the-ground” reality for families remains dire.
These reports consistently highlight weak income growth, high inflation and rising costs of living as major pressures on households, HURIWA stated. Even where inflation shows signs of easing, essential expenses such as food, energy and transportation remain beyond the reach of many families.
The group also condemned the political reliance on “stomach infrastructure”short-term palliatives that offer no structural relief. HURIWA argued that these handouts are a poor substitute for the systemic reforms Nigeria actually needs.
Temporary handouts cannot replace long-term investments in jobs, education, healthcare and social protection, the group insisted.
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, HURIWA is calling for an urgent rethink of national economic strategies. The group maintains that fixing the economy is the only way to safeguard the democratic will of the people.
We appeal to leaders to prioritise inclusive growth and poverty reduction, the statement concluded. Without deliberate efforts to improve living standards, public confidence in the electoral process may continue to erode.
