The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the troubling culture of political recycling of individuals facing serious allegations of financial misconduct.
In a statement made available to VDCInsights on Wednesday signed by the National Coordinatr,the rights group warned that such practices undermine public confidence in governance and the anti-corruption campaign.
The group recalled the controversial remark attributed to former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, that “once you join the APC, your sins are forgiven,”and described it as symbolic of growing public suspicion regarding political accountability within the ruling All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress).
HURIWA questioned whether the APC has become “a haven for suspected thieves of public funds,” stressing that such perceptions—whether fair or not—pose a serious reputational risk to Nigeria’s democratic institutions and anti-corruption efforts.
The Association specifically raised concerns over the political trajectory of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, noting that his emergence in ongoing political realignments comes amid lingering allegations being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the group, the allegations of use of an entire state political structure as a bargaining tool in political negotiations further raises questions about the ethical foundations of such realignments and the sincerity of Nigeria’s commitment to accountability in public life.
HURIWA maintained that the central objective of its position is to establish the principle that individuals facing unresolved allegations of serious financial impropriety should not be considered fit to contest any elective office until they have fully cleared their names of such accusations, including those relating to alleged mismanagement or diversion of public funds.
It stressed that allowing individuals under such a cloud of suspicion to freely recycle into elective positions without resolution of their cases risks weakening public trust and sending the wrong signal about consequences for alleged abuse of office.
Onwubiko however, clarified that its position does not amount to a declaration of guilt against any individual, but rather a principled call for due process, transparency, and institutional integrity.
The National Coordinator of HURIWA reiterated that no political party affiliation should be interpreted as immunity from scrutiny or investigation.
He urged anti-corruption agencies to remain firm, impartial, and consistent in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, warning that selective accountability would further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
