NIGERIA: The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) has threatened to mobilise its international networks to seek travel restrictions against six Nigerian governors over alleged political intolerance and efforts to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governors named by the organisation are Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Charles Soludo of Anambra, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Hope Uzodimma of Imo and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, reports News Express.
InterSociety issued the warning in a statement from Enugu on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, signed by its Head, Nigeria, Emeka Umeagbalasi; Head of Campaign and Publicity, Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam; and Head of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, Obianuju Joy Igboeli.
The organisation accused the affected state governments of alleged abuse of public office, political intolerance and restrictions on civic space, particularly against opposition politicians and supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
It alleged that reports from the six states indicated restrictions on political activities, threats against community leaders and alleged attacks involving opposition supporters.
InterSociety urged the governors and other state authorities to stop what it described as attempts to suppress opposition activities and restrict political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
It insisted that all political parties and presidential candidates should have unhindered access to campaign venues across the country, irrespective of political differences.
“All political parties and their presidential candidates must be allowed unrestricted access to political campaign arenas in any part of Nigeria including Anambra, Benue, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, among others,” the organisation said.
The group, however, escalated its warning by threatening to involve foreign diplomatic missions and international partners if the alleged conduct continued.
It said it would use its “worldwide contacts, networks and partnerships” to push for restrictions on the governors’ foreign travels to Europe and the Americas.
InterSociety claimed it had begun compiling the names of the six governors and was prepared to submit them to European embassies and high commissions, as well as authorities in the United States and Canada.
The organisation said the governors could be presented internationally as alleged opponents of democratic and electoral processes if they continued to restrict opposition activities.
It further warned that it could seek measures that would make travel to Europe and North America difficult for the affected governors.
The statement also accused some state authorities of allegedly threatening local government officials, community leaders and traditional rulers over their political choices.
InterSociety called on the affected governors to respect civic freedoms and allow opposition parties and candidates to operate freely in their states as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.
The allegations and proposed international action contained in the statement were made by InterSociety; the governors named in the statement were not quoted as responding to the allegations.
