Big Tent Alerts Global Community to Escalating Threats to Nigeria’s Democratic Space

The Big Tent Coalition, led by Professor Pat Utomi, has formally alerted the international community to growing concerns over political intimidation, violent rhetoric, and attempts to suppress political competition in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election. The coalition has submitted an International Alert to the United Nations, European Union, United States Government, and United Kingdom Government, urging early, impartial, and sustained monitoring of Nigeria's pre-election environment.

The coalition's Director of Media and Communications, Charles Odibo, quoted Professor Utomi stating, "We are asking the international community to monitor, document and help deter conduct that could undermine the ability of Nigerians to freely choose their government." Utomi emphasized that the international community has a legitimate interest in ensuring Nigerians can exercise their democratic rights without intimidation, violence, or coercion.

The Big Tent Coalition maintains that its International Alert aims to prevent the escalation of political intimidation, so that they can document incidents and engage Nigerian authorities early to prevent political violence. The coalition expressed growing concern following remarks attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a July 28, 2026 meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, where he was quoted as saying, "All is fair in politics."

The coalition acknowledged that vigorous political competition is inevitable, but stressed that it cannot become a license for threats, intimidation, violence, or suppression of political opponents.

The International Alert submitted by the coalition highlights several documented incidents that warrant serious international monitoring. These include:

1. In Osun State, Senator Francis Fadahunsi made comments interpreted as threatening violence against opposition supporters, prompting the Osun State Police Command to question him.

2. In the Federal Capital Territory, Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Shekwolo reportedly told residents, "It's either you are doing APC or leave the area council."

3. In Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru allegedly directed local government chairmen to "deal with opposition parties mercilessly."

4. In Borno State, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, was reported to have threatened physical punishment for people who refused to support the APC.

5. In Benue State, NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi's convoy was blocked by an unruly crowd while traveling to visit victims and families affected by a massacre.

The Big Tent Coalition emphasized that political tensions can quickly lead to violence in a country where political tensions are prevalent. They stressed that vigorous political competition does not justify threats, intimidation, physical violence, or suppression of political opponents, especially when political leaders wield significant influence.