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The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, InterSociety, has threatened to seek international sanctions, including possible travel restrictions to Europe and the Americas, against six Nigerian governors it accused of encouraging political intolerance and restricting opposition activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

The organisation identified Anambra Governor Charles Soludo, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Peter Mbah of Enugu and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.

In a statement released in Enugu on Tuesday, InterSociety alleged that the governors and their supporters had engaged in political exclusion, intimidation of opposition figures, misuse of government authority and restrictions on civic space.

It characterised the situation as an emerging “axis of political intolerance” across sections of the South-East, South-South and North-Central, particularly targeting the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

InterSociety alleged that opposition supporters had been attacked in Enugu, while political and community leaders in Ebonyi had faced threats, with opposition activities allegedly restricted in Anambra, Benue, Edo and Imo.

The organisation also referred to an alleged gun attack during an NDC ward meeting in Enugu, which it said resulted in four people sustaining injuries, while claiming that Obi had been stopped from entering Benue State on two occasions.

It also raised questions about the independence and level of preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the 2027 elections.

InterSociety expressed concern over alleged pressure on INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, and referenced a previous allegation by former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, regarding an alleged pre-signed resignation letter involving Amupitan.

According to the organisation, if the allegation is established as true, it could raise significant concerns about the independence of the electoral commission.

The group further alleged serious challenges involving the voters’ register, production of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, voter transfers and missing names from polling-unit registers, warning that millions of eligible voters could be disenfranchised if the problems remained unresolved before the elections.

InterSociety specifically alleged that political interference had affected some areas of INEC’s operations in Anambra State, including the posting and transfer of personnel.

In Anambra, the organisation accused Soludo of allegedly using the machinery of government to support President Bola Tinubu and oppose Obi rather than focusing primarily on governance.

It also raised concerns over what it described as weaknesses in governance and financial accountability in the state.

In Benue, InterSociety accused Governor Alia of failing to provide sufficient protection for citizens against armed attacks while allegedly permitting political intolerance toward opposition activities.

It levelled similar allegations of political intimidation and restrictions on civic space against the administrations in Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

The governors and their respective administrations were not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before publication.

InterSociety called on the governors to stop actions capable of increasing political tension, stressing that the right to vote and seek elective office remains a fundamental component of democracy.

The organisation also urged opposition parties to scrutinise INEC’s preparations more closely and demand greater transparency ahead of the 2027 elections.

It warned that persistent political intolerance, alleged electoral manipulation and restrictions on civic space could result in international consequences.

The group 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.”

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