ENUGU, Nigeria — A Nigerian civil liberties organisation has threatened to lobby foreign governments to restrict travel by six state governors over allegations that their administrations are suppressing opposition activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, known as Intersociety, said it could submit petitions to diplomatic missions and government authorities in Europe, the United States, and Canada if the alleged conduct continued.
The warning was contained in a statement issued from Enugu on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Intersociety named Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.
The organisation has no authority to impose travel restrictions and said it would instead campaign for foreign governments to take action.
It did not identify any government or diplomatic mission that had agreed to consider its proposed petitions.
Allegations of Restrictions on Opposition Activities
Intersociety accused the six state administrations of political intolerance, misuse of public authority, and attempts to reduce the space available for dissenting voices.
It alleged that opposition politicians and supporters had encountered restrictions, threats, and violence in some of the states. The organisation placed particular emphasis on the Nigerian Democratic Congress and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The statement did not provide responses from any of the six governors. Its allegations had also not been independently established in the material released by the group.
Intersociety said political differences should not be used to prevent candidates from holding rallies or meeting supporters in any part of the country.
It demanded “unrestricted access to political campaign arenas” for every registered party and presidential candidate.
The organisation also alleged that some state authorities had threatened, or tolerated threats against, local government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders because of their political preferences.
Group Says It Is Compiling Names
Intersociety said it had begun assembling information about the governors for possible submission to European diplomatic missions, as well as authorities in the United States and Canada.
The organisation said it would portray the governors as “enemies of ballot democracy” if they continued conduct that it considered hostile to free political participation.
Any resulting restriction would require a decision by the foreign government receiving such a petition. Intersociety did not provide a timetable for submitting the documents or specify the legal grounds on which it would ask foreign authorities to act.
The group said its proposed campaign was intended to discourage state officials from obstructing political rallies, intimidating opposition supporters, or using government institutions to influence electoral competition.
It urged the governors and other political authorities to avoid actions that could heighten tensions before the elections and to allow opposition parties to organise without interference.
Statement Signed by Three Officials
The statement was signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, the head of Intersociety Nigeria; Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam, the head of its Department of Campaign and Publicity; and Obianuju Joy Igboeli, the head of its Department of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law.
The organisation did not announce that it had filed a formal complaint with Nigerian law enforcement agencies, electoral authorities, or a court.
It said the international petition campaign would be pursued only if the governors continued the conduct alleged in its statement.
