2027: The Developing Acrimony
Growing anti-opposition sentiments in states and institutional complicity are combining to supercharge tensions ahead of 2027, writes Vincent Obia For Festus Keyamo, the expected return to the frontline of President
Anti-opposition sentiments and institutional complicity are fueling rising tensions ahead of 2027's presidential election, according to Vincent Obia's account. President Bola Tinubu's campaign is set to resume, reflecting a political trajectory that has seen him progress from activism to the campaign podium. On September 10, ADC supporters gathered for their governorship campaign flag-off in Kaduna State, only to be confronted by suspected thugs and assaulted by security operatives who deployed tear gas.
ADC condemned the violence, stating that political competition should not resort to state-sanctioned attacks.
Since August 19, when campaigns officially began, pre-election friction has been on the rise, including attacks on opposition gatherings. The APC-controlled states have been the primary perpetrators, though fears exist that this hostility may spread to opposition states. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, faced blocked caravans in Benue State on September 8, as he arrived to mourn victims of terrorist attacks. Obi was forced to turn back after receiving chants of "Obi go back, Obi go back."
The APC government in Benue State initially denied involvement in the confrontation but failed to denounce the attack, claiming it was unaware of Obi's visit. The government alleged that Obi arrived without providing proper notification and accused him of promoting thuggery. However, the Benue State Police Command contradicted these claims, stating that they provided security for Obi and his team upon arrival.
Inconsistent accounts from authorities have emerged, highlighting the growing antagonism against opposition figures.
Similar hostile incidents have occurred in other APC-controlled states, such as Enugu, Rivers, and Osun, where NDC ward meetings were disrupted and armed men were involved. The upcoming 2027 election cycle appears to be characterized by coordinated antagonism, driven by incendiary speeches from political leaders and a lack of accountability from state authorities.
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