2027 ELECTIONS: A CHOICE, NOT WARFARE
CHARLES MERIBOLE condemns the surge in political violence and enjoins the electorate not to be intimidated A disturbing trend of rising political intolerance is emerging in Nigeria’s political landscape in
The 2027 Nigerian general elections have become a battleground for political intolerance and violence, with a disturbing trend emerging in the country's political landscape. This trend has escalated since the lifting of the ban on political campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), leading to incendiary remarks, threats, sponsored attacks, hate speech, and even killings.
The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, inadvertently set the tone for this dangerous culture with his comments about "all is fair in politics." Politicians from various parties, including Senator Francis Fadahunsi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have called for violence against opposing candidates and supporters. State officials, such as the Governor of Ebonyi State and the State APC Chairman of Yobe, have threatened voters and even proposed drastic measures, like sacking council chairmen who do not align with the APC.
Religious leaders have also played a part in exacerbating the situation by framing the elections along religious and ethnic lines. The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) strongly condemns this surge in political bigotry, violence, and deteriorating civility among Nigeria's political class. They reject attempts by politicians to intimidate voters and influence voting patterns through threats, harassment, and coercion.
They assert that electoral violence begins long before election day and undermines democracy, threatening Nigeria's democratic foundation.
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