2027 elections: Stop the violence!

The 2027 general elections are a couple of months away, but the campaigns are already taking a dangerous turn. Barely weeks after political parties commenced electioneering, Nigeria is witnessing an alarming wave of violence, killing, intimidation, and destruction of campaign materials. This is a disturbing portent of what could happen if decisive action is not taken.

The killing of Ifeanyi Nwolie, a 43-year-old supporter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), during the violent disruption of activities surrounding the party’s governorship campaign in Enugu is particularly tragic. Suspected political thugs reportedly attacked supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and later around the party secretariat.

Nwolie sustained gunshot injuries and subsequently died. His death has become another grim statistic in Nigeria’s history of political violence. Equally reprehensible was the attack on Peter Obi’s convoy in Calabar, Cross River State, by suspected hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks. Windscreens were smashed as the presidential candidate returned from a visit to the Obong of Calabar.

The police subsequently announced the arrest of a suspect, Victor Edet. There was also a potentially explosive confrontation between NDC and APC supporters in the city, which security operatives managed to prevent. Meanwhile, APC campaign billboards and posters have reportedly been vandalised in Kano and other Northern cities by irate youths. APC supporters travelling to a campaign rally in Katsina were also attacked, leaving a female passenger injured.

The police arrested 14 suspects, including a minor. Other reported disruptions of political activities, including Governor Alex Otti’s campaign inauguration in Abia, reinforce the need for vigilance. The Nigerian Police Force has responded by reading the riot act. Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed Commissioners nationwide to prevent the destruction of campaign materials, intimidation and harassment.

The police warned that offenders, including those sponsoring or financing such criminal activities, would be arrested and prosecuted. These are welcome assurances, but Nigerians expect action, not mere warnings. The implications are grave. Campaign violence suppresses participation, deepens political divisions and encourages retaliation. Most frightening is the possibility of a major presidential or governorship candidate being killed or seriously injured.

Such an incident could trigger widespread unrest, communal reprisals and a national crisis. This must be prevented at all costs. Candidates must demonstrate leadership and patriotism. They should restrain their supporters, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, respect opponents’ rights to campaign and condemn violence without equivocation. Security agencies must investigate impartially, arrest perpetrators, prosecute their sponsors, irrespective of political affiliation and stay above board.

Campaigns should be conducted through peaceful rallies, issue-based debates and robust presentations of manifestoes. Political parties must sign and honour peace accords. Violent campaigns will inevitably poison elections and their aftermath. Elections are a means to an end: choosing visionary and patriotic leaders to rescue our country. Let the people decide.

Stop the violence!