Concerns Grow Over Violent Political Rhetoric Ahead of 2027 Elections

Concerns are rising over the harsh statements and aggressive behavior from politicians, their supporters, and political parties as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general election. With only three months left before the elections, political players are heating up the atmosphere with fiery words that show a lack of tolerance for opponents before, during, and after the elections. Over time, campaign grounds have become places for insults and verbal attacks against opponents, who usually retaliate at the next chance. As campaigns begin, there are already signs that Nigeria might face another round of intense political battles.

On August 30, Sainna Buba, a commissioner in Borno State, threatened political opponents with physical harm and state punishment if they did not support the All Progressives Congress. He made these remarks at a campaign event organized by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a group backing President Bola Tinubu's administration and his 2027 re-election campaign.

Buba quickly changed his tune and apologized on September 2 after opposition groups and civil society organizations condemned him. They said such violent talk from a public official endangered public safety and weakened the principles of multi-party democracy. Buba later retracted his statements and apologized to the public.

In a similar case, Samuel Shekwolo, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, appeared in a viral video in late August, telling residents to support the ruling APC or leave the area as the 2027 elections approach. He faced significant public backlash and later denied threatening to expel anyone or disenfranchise residents, claiming his comments were misunderstood, as he had no legal power to force anyone out.

Osun Senator Francis Fadahunsi took inflammatory comments to a new level before the state governorship election in August. The senator representing Osun East was accused in a viral video of calling for the killing of members of the Accord Party, which had Ademola Adeleke as its governorship candidate. Fadahunsi later denied that his comments should be taken literally, saying they were misinterpreted.

After public anger over Fadahunsi’s comments, the Nigeria Police Force invited him for questioning. This followed claims from Fadahunsi’s supporters that he was quoted out of context. The police sent a letter dated August 11, 2026, inviting him to “clarify the circumstances” of his statements made during an APC campaign in Ilesa.

The police spokesman, Ani Iniedu, said incendiary comments, especially related to elections, are a criminal offense. He urged the public to assist investigators by providing statements and evidence needed to prosecute offenders. The police confirmed that investigations into the remarks are ongoing.

In Edo State, Blessing Ebhodaghe, the chairman of Esan West, allegedly threatened to punish drivers who wore gear from other political parties instead of the APC. A viral video showed him saying that any hotel hosting opposition party meetings would be shut down. Ebhodaghe reportedly visited motor parks in Ekpoma and told drivers not to wear clothes, caps, or carry banners from any party other than the APC, aiming to help Governor Monday Okpebholo deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

In the video, Ebhodaghe said, “I am here to warn all my drivers not to put on any material that does not belong to the party (APC). There will be no friendship on this matter. If I see anybody, I will come here and remove him. The Governor of Edo State has promised the President, Bola Tinubu, 2.5 million votes in the 2027 general election, which the whole world is going to see.”

He pledged to monitor compliance and would contact the park leadership if any driver was found wearing another party's materials. In an interview, Ebhodaghe defended his behavior, saying he spoke to motor park chairmen, whom he called friends. He added, “I was not threatening the drivers; they are all my friends. We only had a chat on the way forward.”

In the same voice note, Ebhodaghe warned hotels against hosting opposition meetings, threatening to shut them down. He stated, “Now you want to try the government. The land you build your hotel on belongs to the government. This is a threat from the government and from the government.”

Ebhodaghe’s comments drew criticism. Party leaders in the state condemned what they called an attempt to force residents to vote for his party through threats. The Publicity Secretary of the state Peoples Democratic Party, Bob-Manuel Umoru, said Ebhodaghe’s actions were a “disturbing attempt to turn local government authority into an instrument of partisan intimidation and political suppression.”

Umoru warned that Esan West Local Government was not “the private political estate of any individual or political party.” He emphasized that a local government chairman's office is a public trust and must serve all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. He stated, “No local government chairman has the constitutional authority to compel citizens to display the symbols of a particular political party.”

Umoru vowed that the state PDP would defend its members' constitutional rights and support every citizen's right to participate freely in politics. He said that the PDP would use all lawful means to resist intimidation and protect Edo citizens' rights.

Chris Ojeikere, the Public Relations Officer of the African Democratic Congress, said his party would not stand by as undemocratic forces threaten voters. Ojeikere stressed that the ADC is ready to respond to any crisis. He said, “The ADC is not afraid of crises because it is a transition. After the crisis, another state of being appears.”

He urged the Edo State Government and the APC to respect the rules of politics, saying people have the right to make their choices without fear. He added, “For Edo State, we want them to know that there is still law in the land that protects the fundamental human rights of voters.”

Ojeikere promised that if anyone infringes on their rights, they would take legal action. He said they would not allow anyone to threaten democracy. He warned, “We will give them battle for battle, man for man, blow for blow.”

Political analyst Peter Osaro cautioned that politicians must act responsibly in the lead-up to the elections. He said they should uphold democracy and protect voters' rights. He warned that intimidating voters might lead to apathy on election day, defeating the purpose of the election.

Osaro said, “You cannot force Nigerians to vote for certain political parties. What politicians should do is campaign and show voters what they will gain if elected.” He noted that the local government chairman misfired and should be corrected to avoid future incidents.

To address violence and inciting comments, the Peace Accord was started in 2014 by the National Peace Committee led by Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.). This group works for free and fair elections and addresses national issues through mediation. Before the next election, candidates will again sign peace accords promising peaceful campaigns. However, ongoing violence and inflammatory comments call into question the effectiveness of these commitments, with no real consequences for those who break them. The continued threats from political figures raise doubts about the value of signed peace accords, and there are signs that the 2027 election campaigns may see more of the same or even escalate.