HURIWA Hails Tinubu Over Okoye’s Appointment, Urges Issue-Based 2027 Campaign

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Comrade Fabian Ugochukwu Okoye as Director of Civil Society Mobilisation in the 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

HURIWA described the appointment as a recognition of the strategic role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria’s democratic process, saying Okoye has the experience, credibility and network required for the assignment.

In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Thursday, the group said Okoye’s longstanding involvement in human rights advocacy and organised civil society made him suitable for the role.

The association recalled that Okoye was among activists involved in the struggle for the restoration of democracy during the military era of the late General Sani Abacha.

It also cited his experience in public policy, research, documentation, strategy, communication and grassroots mobilisation.

Okoye currently serves as Special Adviser to Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, on Research, Documentation and Strategy. He previously served as Special Adviser on Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations to the immediate past governor of Sokoto State and held a similar position with former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, between 2011 and 2015.

HURIWA said the combination of his civil society background and government experience placed him in a position to understand both sides of the engagement.

The group also cited the assessment of an APC chieftain and former Kogi State governorship aspirant, Alhaji Saidu Ugohoh, who described Okoye as a civil society expert and accomplished mobiliser.

However, HURIWA urged Okoye to ensure that his new role does not compromise the independence of civil society organisations.

It said CSOs should not be treated merely as electoral instruments to be mobilised during campaigns and abandoned after elections.

“Civil society organisations have historically played important roles in promoting human rights, democratic accountability, civic education, good governance and citizens’ participation,” the group said.

HURIWA urged the campaign organisation to base its engagement with CSOs, professional and labour groups, faith-based organisations, student bodies and community associations on issues and policies rather than propaganda.

It further called for town hall meetings, public education programmes, radio engagements and other platforms where Nigerians can question government policies and performance.

The rights group said the 2027 elections must transcend partisan interests, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic interest should remain above the ambitions of individual politicians and political parties.

It urged the Tinubu campaign organisation to embrace constructive criticism and desist from treating opposing voices as enemies of government.

HURIWA also called on all political parties and campaign organisations to respect citizens’ fundamental rights and protect democratic institutions during the electoral process.

The association urged political actors to avoid intimidation, violence, hate speech and vote buying, insisting that Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders.

HURIWA congratulated Okoye on his appointment and urged him to deploy his experience and strategic capacity toward strengthening democratic participation and advancing the national interest.