The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has withdrawn its announcement naming the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, as the 2025 “Man of the Year” after it found mistakes in the way the award was decided.
The group said the error was linked to the statistical process used to analyse data and scores that led to the selection of the winner. During a review of the process, HURIWA discovered discrepancies in the figures and calculations that had been carried out by an external organisation it had hired to collect and process the information.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the group places great importance on the fairness and transparency of its activities. He explained that it would not be right to let an award decision stand if it was based on flawed data. The group said that allowing a result affected by technical errors to remain would contradict its core values and commitment to credibility in its awards.
The organisation made it clear that the withdrawal of the announcement should not be taken as a judgement on Governor Otti’s performance, character, or his record in office. Instead, HURIWA described the decision as a necessary internal correction designed to protect the integrity of its annual awards.
HURIWA has cancelled the initial statistical exercise and plans to carry out a new evaluation that it says will be more thorough, accurate and fair. The group has stated that it wants the process to fully meet established standards and be beyond question in its credibility.
The rights advocacy organisation assured the public that the fresh review would be concluded in due course and that a final decision on who will receive the 2025 Man of the Year award will be announced on 1 January 2026. It said this follow-up process will be transparent and verifiable, and will build confidence in the outcome.
In its statement, HURIWA underlined its commitment to accountability and ethical conduct. The group stressed that being willing to withdraw a high-profile announcement publicly demonstrates its determination to uphold the principles it advocates more widely in society. It said that this readiness to correct its own errors shows a strong commitment to the standards it expects others to meet.
The situation has drawn attention because the Man of the Year award from HURIWA is often seen as a significant recognition. The adjustment by the organisation highlights the challenges involved in using complex data and analysis to make decisions that are credible and widely accepted.
HURIWA’s action may also prompt discussions about how awards and recognition decisions are made by civil society groups more broadly. By acknowledging the error and acting to correct it, the organisation has sought to demonstrate that it takes its responsibilities seriously and wants to maintain public trust.
