The Coalition of South East Civil Society Organisations has expressed deep concern over the increasing securitisation of civic space in the region. This trend is becoming critical ahead of the 2027 general elections. The coalition noted that state security measures are encroaching upon activities essential to democratic life. These activities include media reporting, peaceful assembly, and human rights advocacy.
The concern was highlighted in Owerri, the Imo State capital, during a One-Day Closed-Door Accountability Dialogue on Civic Space in the South East. The event was organised by a coalition that includes the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), the Virgin Heart, and VIDI. The groups are advocating for the protection of civic space.
RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, highlighted findings from recent civil rights documentations. He referenced their recent interventions documenting the experiences of journalists, activists, and citizens whose civic freedoms were restricted or abused. Nwanguma questioned how society can respond effectively to genuine insecurity without suppressing constitutionally protected civic activities.
Nwanguma explained that securitisation occurs when legitimate civic engagement is reframed as a criminal or security problem. A critic becomes a troublemaker, an activist an agitator, and a journalist a purveyor of false information. Once these labels stick, arbitrary surveillance, arrests, and prolonged detentions become easier to justify.
He cited the case of human rights defender Emmanuel Acha, Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Society Network, who was arrested in March 2025. Acha spent nine months in remand on grave security charges before being discharged and acquitted in December 2025. Acha noted that he received no remedy or accountability from the state government for his unjust detention.
Peace Dike, Executive Director of the Virgin Heart Foundation, observed that growing fear in the South East had forced journalists and community leaders to self-censor. She called for clear institutional channels to address complaints against security personnel. Dike emphasised that security and civic freedom are not opposing forces.
Marjorie Ezihe of the Community Justice Centre reported an incident at Ogboisisi market where police officers fired live ammunition during an enforcement operation. Dr. Ikenna Obi of the Imo State Ministry of Justice stated that the ministry monitors arrests and legal processes to ensure due process is maintained and civic space is preserved.
Key points
- The Coalition of South East Civil Society Organisations warns of the shrinking civic space in Nigeria's South East region.
- State security measures are increasingly encroaching upon activities essential to democratic life.
- The trend is becoming critical ahead of the 2027 general elections.
