{
  "id": 8617508,
  "title": "2027: Concern mounts over APC leaders’ threats against opposition",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/2027-concern-mounts-over-apc-leaders-threats-against-opposition",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T05:30:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/20/2027-concern-mounts-over-apc-leaders-threats-against-opposition/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the 2027 presidential and state elections approach, there is mounting concern among the opposition, particularly in light of threats being made by some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Reports from Borno, Kuje, Osun, and Ebonyi states reveal a troubling pattern of intimidation. APC officials, from governors to commissioners, are issuing various types of threats, ranging from violence to exclusion and political punishment. While some threats involve violence, others speak of eviction and political retribution for those who oppose President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party.\n\nThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had set the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and the governorship and State Assembly polls for February 6, 2027. Although the latter polls' campaigns have yet to commence, presidential and National Assembly campaigns began on August 19. The early and ominous nature of the rhetoric has raised alarms, prompting reactions from opposition political parties, Nigerians, and organizations like Amnesty International.\n\nIn Maiduguri, Borno State, APC Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, warned residents not to support President Tinubu's re-election, threatening to cut off their fingers. He insisted that those who oppose the government would be flogged, their welfare packages going only to Tinubu's supporters. When the video surfaced, Amnesty International condemned the threat as reckless and unlawful, demanding an investigation. The commissioner claimed he was misquoted, though.\n\nSimilarly, in the Federal Capital Territory, Kuje Area Council chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo warned residents to support the APC or leave the area. He threatened to accept no opposition activity on election day, saying, \"It is either you are with us or you are not here.\" This comment drew condemnation from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which advocated for Shekwolo's arrest and prosecution and called for protective measures to prevent harassment, profiling, and disenfranchisement.\n\nIn Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru has also been accused of using coercive language. A civil society coalition accused him of threatening the opposition's governorship candidate at a rally. He was subsequently notified by the police, DSS, and Army. He has since reiterated his position that no opposition seat would be surrendered and that opposition activity would not be tolerated. While some argue that opposition parties are equally guilty, the ruling party should set an example by enforcing the law and protecting citizens' rights.",
  "summary": "As the 2027 presidential election inches closer, there are growing concerns, particularly among the opposition camp, as some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, continue to threaten Nigerians who oppose President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party. From Borno to Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory, Osun State and then to the South-East state […] 2027: Concern mounts over APC…",
  "key_points": [
    "APC leaders threaten opposition in 2027 elections across multiple states.",
    "Threats include violence, eviction, and political punishment for opposing President Tinubu.",
    "Amnesty International condemns threats as reckless and unlawful, demanding investigation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The mounting threats from APC leaders against opposition parties and residents ahead of the 2027 elections signal a worrying trend that could undermine democratic processes and intimidate voters.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}