Concerns are mounting over inflammatory political statements, threats and alleged intimidation as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of electoral laws and stronger action by security agencies.
The concerns come amid provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 aimed at regulating political campaigns, discouraging abusive language and preventing threats or violence against political opponents and supporters.
Sections 95, 96 and 97 address conduct at political rallies, inflammatory expressions and the use or threat of force during campaigns. However, questions remain about how effectively these provisions are being enforced against alleged violations.
Several incidents involving political figures have drawn public attention.
In Edo State, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Jarrett Tenebe reportedly made a reference to firearms while discussing the party’s target of securing 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
In Borno State, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Sainna Buba was reported to have threatened to cut off the fingers of critics of Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration during a political mobilisation event.
Meanwhile, APC Chairman in Yobe State, Muhammad Gadaka, reportedly made controversial remarks at a rally in Nangere Local Government Area about paying the bride price of women whose husbands divorced them for voting for the ruling party. He later apologised, explaining that his comments had been misunderstood.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Kuje Area Council Chairman Danjuma Shekwolo also faced criticism over remarks suggesting that residents should support the APC or leave the council. He subsequently clarified that the statement was made during a meeting with party supporters and was not intended to deny residents their rights based on political affiliation.
In Osun State, Senator Francis Fadahunsi was also reported to have called on supporters to attack members of the Accord Party ahead of the state’s governorship election.
Separately, the Kano State Police Command invited Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate Aminu Abdullahi Warkal for questioning over the alleged display of a firearm at a political gathering. Police said an investigation was ongoing into the incident.
These developments have heightened concerns among civil society organisations and other stakeholders about the potential impact of threatening language and intimidation on peaceful political participation.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the reported firearm-related remark in Edo State. The organisation argued that political mobilisation should be based on policies, persuasion and lawful engagement rather than statements that could be interpreted as threats.
HURIWA urged security agencies to investigate credible allegations and make their findings public, stressing that Nigerians should be able to support candidates and parties of their choice without fear of intimidation.
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation also warned political parties and their supporters against inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the elections.
Its General Secretary, Joel Odigie, called on the Nigeria Police Force, DSS and other security agencies to investigate credible allegations of threats and electoral violence.
In response to concerns over election security, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu said the police, working with other security agencies, had activated operational and tactical measures to support peaceful and credible elections.
Speaking through Assistant Inspector-General of Police Alinyenu Idu at an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Disu said security personnel would exercise their lawful authority while protecting citizens’ right to participate in the electoral process.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan has also emphasised that electoral integrity depends on cooperation between the commission, the media and civil society.
At a seminar organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors and INEC, Amupitan said public trust remained central to credible elections and urged journalists to prioritise accuracy, verification and balanced reporting.
He warned that fake results, manipulated videos, deepfakes and unverified reports could inflame tensions and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, stakeholders are calling for consistent enforcement of electoral laws, accountability for proven violations and responsible political communication.
They say these measures are essential to protecting voters’ rights and ensuring that political competition takes place peacefully and without intimidation.
