The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has expressed concern over what it described as the growing control of political parties by state governors, warning that the trend could undermine internal democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the increasing dominance of governors over party structures at ward, local government and state levels is gradually reshaping the political space in a way that weakens participation by ordinary party members.

The organisation said the development is already influencing how candidates emerge for elections, raising fears that party primaries may no longer reflect the will of members but the preferences of a few powerful office holders.

HURIWA warned that such a situation poses a serious threat to democratic practice, describing it as a drift away from constitutional principles of participation and accountability.

“This is not democracy. This is political colonization,” the group said, stressing that the consolidation of power within a small political elite risks reducing voters to spectators in the electoral process.

It further argued that if governors are allowed to effectively determine candidates for legislative and executive offices, it could weaken internal checks within political parties and produce leaders who are more accountable to individuals than to the electorate.

HURIWA also linked the trend to broader concerns about declining public trust in democratic institutions and increasing political tension across the country.

The group noted that the weakening of party structures is occurring at a time when Nigeria is also grappling with insecurity, economic pressures and institutional challenges, factors it said are compounding governance difficulties.

“Governors are not kings. Political parties are not private estates. Nigeria is not a conquered territory,” the statement read.

The organisation called for urgent reforms to restore internal democracy within political parties, insisting that credible primaries must be conducted without interference from political office holders.

It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen oversight of party processes and ensure compliance with democratic standards ahead of the 2027 elections.

HURIWA also called on the National Assembly to consider laws that would discourage undue interference in party administration and strengthen accountability within the political system.

The group further appealed to civil society organisations, the media and citizens to remain vigilant and actively resist any attempt to undermine democratic participation.

It warned that failure to address the growing influence of governors over party structures could distort the electoral process and weaken the credibility of future elections.

HURIWA said Nigeria must urgently reinforce internal party democracy if it is to preserve the integrity of its democratic system and prevent a drift toward political capture