The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety, has threatened to push for international sanctions, including possible travel restrictions to Europe and the Americas, against six Nigerian governors over alleged political intolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politics Nigeria reports that the governors named by the organisation include Charles Soludo of Anambra State, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Peter Mbah of Enugu and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.
InterSociety, in a statement issued in Enugu on Tuesday, accused the governors and their loyalists of allegedly using state power to intimidate opposition figures, restrict political activities, exclude rivals and shrink civic space.
The group described the alleged pattern as an emerging “axis of political intolerance” spanning parts of the South-East, South-South and North-Central, with particular reference to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
According to the organisation, opposition supporters have allegedly faced attacks and intimidation in some of the affected states, while political and community leaders have allegedly been threatened or restricted from carrying out opposition activities.
InterSociety cited an alleged gun attack during an NDC ward meeting in Enugu, which it said left four people injured.
It also alleged that Obi was prevented from entering Benue State on two occasions, while similar restrictions on opposition activities were alleged in Anambra, Edo, Ebonyi and Imo states.
The organisation warned that continued suppression of opposition activities could have consequences beyond Nigeria, saying it would intensify international advocacy for measures against officials it believes are implicated in political intolerance and violations of democratic rights.
It said such measures could include international sanctions and travel restrictions affecting Europe and the Americas.
InterSociety also raised concerns about the preparedness and independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group expressed concern over alleged pressure on INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, and referred to a previous allegation by former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, concerning an alleged pre-signed resignation letter involving Amupitan.
InterSociety said that if the allegation were established to be true, it would raise questions about the commission’s institutional independence.
It further alleged problems with the voters’ register, Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, voter transfers and missing names on polling-unit registers, warning that the issues could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters if left unresolved.
On Anambra, the organisation accused Soludo of allegedly deploying the machinery of government in support of President Bola Tinubu and against Obi, while also raising questions about governance and financial accountability in the state.
It alleged that Alia’s administration in Benue had failed to adequately protect citizens from armed attacks while allegedly restricting opposition activities.
InterSociety made similar allegations of political intimidation and shrinking civic space against the governments of Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.
The governors and their administrations were not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before publication.
The organisation urged the affected governors to desist from actions capable of further heating up the political environment, stressing that the right to vote and contest elections was fundamental to democracy.
It also called on opposition parties and other stakeholders to scrutinise INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections and demand greater transparency.
InterSociety warned that alleged political intolerance, electoral manipulation and restrictions on civic participation could attract international consequences.
It said it would step up international advocacy for appropriate measures against officials implicated in such conduct, insisting that “the ballot is stronger than the bullet.”