The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s campaign organisation and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to explain reports that 40,000 customised tablets are being produced in China for political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The rights organisation also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the reported procurement and establish its funding source.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA demanded clarification on the total cost of the devices, those financing the project and the individuals or organisations responsible for their production and distribution.
The association said reports indicated that the tablets would carry campaign messages in English, Yoruba and Hausa before being distributed to supporters.
It expressed concern that the reported exercise could deepen the influence of money and material inducements in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly amid prevailing economic difficulties and the Federal Government’s reliance on borrowing to finance public expenditure.
HURIWA questioned how an expensive political mobilisation project of that scale was being funded, insisting that the APC and the President’s campaign organisation should make the financial arrangements public.
The group, however, clarified that its concerns did not establish that public funds had been used for the reported production.
It maintained that any credible evidence of the diversion of taxpayers’ money or government resources for partisan political activities should prompt an immediate investigation.
The organisation also questioned INEC’s preparedness to monitor campaign spending ahead of the 2027 elections, urging the electoral commission to publish its campaign expenditure monitoring framework and begin tracking the financial activities of political parties and candidates.
It said monitoring should start before the elections rather than after the process, calling for clear procedures on financial disclosures and enforcement of statutory spending limits.
HURIWA further urged the EFCC and ICPC to investigate credible evidence of extravagant political spending, unlawful campaign financing or diversion of public resources.
It warned that distributing expensive gifts and other material benefits to influence voters could amount to electoral malpractice, depending on the circumstances.
The association insisted that the 2027 presidential election should be determined by public policies, accountability and genuine political competition rather than the financial strength of candidates and their supporters.
It said Nigerians deserved to know the actual cost of the reported tablet project, its funding arrangements and the identities of those behind its procurement and distribution.
