A coalition of civil society organisations has called on governments and security agencies across Southeast Nigeria to protect civic freedoms, end political intimidation and ensure that citizens can participate freely in democratic activities.
The coalition, comprising the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF) and Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), raised concerns over reports of attacks on political gatherings, intimidation of opposition figures and alleged misuse of security institutions across the region.
In a statement, the organisations said the developments reinforced concerns raised during an accountability dialogue on civic space held in Owerri, Imo State, on September 23, 2026.
The dialogue was organised under the project, From Silencing to Accountability: Challenging the Securitisation of Civic Space in Southeast Nigeria, with support from the Fund for Global Human Rights through the Action Group on Free Civic Space. The project covers Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
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CSOs Highlight Cases Of Political Intimidation
The coalition highlighted reported incidents in the five states, including an alleged attack on a political meeting in Enugu, the withdrawal of a venue booked for an opposition town hall and claims of intimidation against opposition figures in Ebonyi.
In Anambra, the organisations raised concerns over the October 17 incident in Achalla, involving reports of a shooting, the disappearance of Chibuzor, popularly known as “Ability”, and the alleged brutalisation of other individuals.
They also questioned the reported detention of lawyer and human rights defender Chinedu Agu in Imo State following a petition connected to an internal Nigerian Bar Association dispute.
While acknowledging that some of the allegations had been disputed by government officials and security authorities, the coalition called for independent investigations and transparent explanations.
It stressed that citizens should not face intimidation, unlawful detention or violence for expressing their views, organising politically or demanding accountability.
Warning Ahead Of 2027 Elections
With preparations for the 2027 general elections underway, the organisations warned that political intimidation and restrictions on civic activities could weaken democratic participation.
They maintained that no political party or governor owns a state or community, adding that citizens have the right to support or reject any candidate without pressure or punishment.
The coalition urged political leaders to discourage thuggery, while calling on security agencies to protect all lawful political gatherings without favouritism.
Calls For Urgent Action
The organisations called on governors and security agencies to investigate reported attacks, prevent the partisan use of public institutions, protect journalists and human rights defenders, and ensure that every arrest follows due process.
They also urged authorities to account for missing persons, protect detainees’ rights and create a safer environment for women, young people, persons with disabilities and other groups to participate in public affairs.
The coalition further called on INEC, the Police and the National Human Rights Commission to strengthen early warning and response systems for reporting threats and civic rights violations.
Authorities Asked To Account For Progress
The CSOs noted that the 30-day period proposed during the September dialogue for relevant institutions to establish contact persons and referral channels had elapsed.
They requested written responses from relevant authorities within 14 days, outlining actions taken, protection provided and outstanding concerns. They also called for a broader review within six months.
The organisations stressed that lasting security depends on accountable institutions and equal protection under the law.
They urged authorities to create an environment where citizens can freely express their views, question public officials and choose their political representatives without fear or intimidation.
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