Growing threats and aggressive political statements by some politicians ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections could discourage citizens from participating freely in the electoral process, raising fresh concerns about voter apathy and democratic participation.
With political activities intensifying ahead of the polls, several incidents involving alleged threats against opposition supporters and attempts to influence voters through intimidation have attracted public criticism.
Among the recent cases was a statement attributed to Borno State Commissioner Sainna Buba, who reportedly threatened political opponents at a campaign event on August 30. He later apologised and withdrew the remarks following criticism from opposition groups and civil society organisations.
A similar controversy followed comments by Kuje Area Council Chairman, Samuel Shekwolo, who was reported to have told residents to support the All Progressives Congress or leave the area. Shekwolo later denied threatening residents and said his comments had been misunderstood.
In Osun State, Senator Francis Fadahunsi was also invited by the police following controversial comments allegedly made during an APC campaign ahead of the state governorship election. The senator denied that his remarks were intended literally.
The situation has also attracted attention in Edo State, where Esan West Local Government Chairman, Blessing Ebhodaghe, was accused of warning commercial drivers against displaying symbols of opposition political parties.
Ebhodaghe also reportedly warned hotels against hosting opposition political meetings, prompting criticism from political opponents who described the remarks as an attempt to suppress political freedom.
The incidents have heightened concerns that continued use of threatening language by political actors could create fear among voters and make some citizens reluctant to participate in political activities.
An analyst, Peter Osaro, warned that politicians should avoid actions capable of creating tension ahead of the elections.
He said intimidating voters could result in voter apathy and undermine the purpose of the electoral process, urging political parties to convince Nigerians through policies and programmes rather than threats.
Political parties have also continued to trade accusations over alleged intimidation, with the Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress calling for the protection of citizens’ rights to freely choose their preferred candidates and political parties.
The concerns come as attention returns to Nigeria’s Peace Accord, which was initiated by the National Peace Committee in 2014 under the leadership of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The accord requires political actors to commit themselves to peaceful campaigns and elections. However, the recurrence of inflammatory statements has raised questions about the effectiveness of such commitments when breaches occur.
