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About 10 months to the 2027 general elections, the country is already witnessing political violence, thuggery and threats between supporters of the ruling parties and those of opposition parties.
A strong supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, has dared anyone to mount billboards or past posters of any other party, except APC in the state.
Also, Sunday Igboho has threatened opposition presidential candidates against campaigning in Yoruba land.
And only recently, supporters of opposition parties allegedly disrupted an event by supporters of the ruling party in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
In this report, some Nigerians suggest ways of halting the menace.
Those in leadership should eradicate it – Bemgba Iortyom, media consultant; Makurdi
I was attacked by suspected thugs last Friday in Makurdi. Though I escaped with my life, my car was burnt to ashes in what was clearly politically motivated violence. I can tell you authoritatively that it is about the worst thing that can happen to our nascent democracy.
Ours is a society in which institutions of law enforcement are weak, so, it will take the will of those in leadership to put the brakes on this trend and eradicate it, and this they must do, since it is a vicious spiral, which has the propensity to hurt everyone, including even those who sponsor it.
Strong institutions, active citizen participation can eradicate this -Wankar Simon Peter, teacher; Makurdi
Political tension before elections is not unusual, but when it starts turning into threats and intimidation, it needs to be addressed early. In Nigeria’s case, especially ahead of the 2027 elections, a mix of government action, community responsibility, and voter awareness can help prevent escalation. Statements like those attributed to individuals such as Sunday Igboho or threats from party supporters can quickly inflame tensions if left unchecked. The key is swift accountability, strong institutions, and active citizen participation.
A peaceful election depends not just on the government, but on politicians, communities, and voters choosing to respect democratic rules over intimidation.
There should be swift action by security agencies against anyone issuing threats, sponsoring thuggery- Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, CNG leader-Kastina
Nigerians must condemn in the strongest terms the early signs of political intimidation, violence, and threats emerging months before the 2027 Nigerian general election. No supporter, activist, or regional figure has the authority to dictate where parties can campaign or whose posters can be displayed. Such statements are not only reckless; they are deeply undemocratic and dangerous. The ruling APC must take particular note – power is never permanent in a democracy. Nigeria has already witnessed a dramatic shift during the 2015 Nigerian general election when the then dominant PDP lost power. Those in government today can easily find themselves in opposition tomorrow. It is therefore politically short-sighted to weaken democratic space through intimidation, threats, or political thuggery.
If Nigerians truly desire peaceful elections, three things are essential: Firm condemnation by party leadership of violent rhetoric from their supporters. Swift action by security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, against anyone issuing threats or sponsoring thuggery; strict enforcement of electoral rules by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee equal political space for all parties. The message must be clear: Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, not to any party, region, or political strongman. Democracy survives only where competition is free, opposition is respected, and power is pursued through persuasion not intimidation.
Threats of violence, intimidation should be treated as serious offences – Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba, NRM chieftain; Kaduna
The early signs of political intolerance emerging ahead of the 2027 general elections are deeply troubling and must not be ignored. As part of the opposition, we earnestly desire that Nigeria should work. We also believe that democracy can only thrive where every political party and candidate is free to campaign, mobilise supporters and present their ideas to the electorate without fear of intimidation, violence or threats.
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Recent statements by individuals warning opposition parties against mounting billboards or campaigning in certain regions are not only undemocratic, but also dangerous to our national cohesion. Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation. No individual or group has the authority to declare any part of the country off-limits to political competition. Such rhetoric, if left unchecked, can embolden political thugs and create an atmosphere of fear that undermines the integrity of our electoral process.
In the first place, security agencies must act with neutrality, professionalism and firmness. Threats of violence or intimidation should be treated as serious offences. Anyone, regardless of political affiliation, who incites violence or attempts to intimidate opponents must be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Impunity only encourages further lawlessness.
NASS should return to the drawing board and entrench electoral system that will guarantee all round fairness – Chief Festus Ogwuche, legal practitioner; Port Harcourt
The ruling party did not help matters at all but planted the seeds to create this tense atmosphere in the desperate quest to return to office in 2027. Their actions at entrenching a one-party rule by the direct emasculation of the opposition parties, speak volumes of their intentions, which are also confirmed by the manner they’re going about effectuating it. This is bound to create animosity and misgivings. Now, more daring members of the party have picked up the gauntlets and constituting themselves into threats and serious menace to society in the name of acting in the interests of the party. Unfortunately, nobody is calling them to order and they appear to be having a field day.
All these nefarious actions were buoyed up by the deprecating manner the legislature handled the all important issue of electoral reforms particularly on the subject of the amendment of the Electoral Act. The deliberate failure on the part of the National Assembly to rise to the occasion by implanting the real time electronic transmission of election results without an option for manual transmission created a bunch of overzealous desperadoes who see these actions as opportunity to showcase their love and zeal for the President and his government. The antidote to this seeming national degeneration to a bedlam of political upheavals is for the National Assembly to return to the drawing board and entrench an electoral system that will guarantee an all round fairness in elections conduct.
Security agencies should show their independence by arresting persons making incendiary statements – Prince Wiro, activist; Port Harcourt
We have the police as the leading security agency in internal security in a democracy, as well as the Department of State Security saddled with responsibility of protecting lives and property. For political thuggery and intimidation of opposition to end, the police as well as other security agencies should show their independence by arresting and prosecuting persons that are already making inflammatory statements, irrespective of their status or political inclination to send strong warning to others.
All political participants need orientation – Prince Mac-Eke, politician; Yenagoa
Violence, during elections has been one of the major problems in our political history. However, the introduction of certain measures by INEC has reduced the incidence of political violence. There is still evidence of political violence. With the recently passed Electoral Act 2026, which compelled security agencies to give a level playing field to all political parties, I think it would ensure a reduction in political violence. The level of political violence exhibited by some political parties is enabled by security agencies. They used their influence with security agencies and instruments of government to subdue their perceived political opponents.
I believe with the 2026 Electoral Act, each political party would have equal opportunity before, during, and after elections. More interestingly, the Electoral Act is very clear, directing all government security agencies, paramilitary, and all those bearing arms to ensure they are not used by any political party. As good as this is, there is the human factor that cannot be overlooked.
Therefore, all political participants need orientation. Ideology must be preached so that members of political parties and their supporters would understand that election is about the people.
Those threatening violence should be placed on the watch list – Kelly Osunbor, activist; Benin
The Presidency has the right and the ability to stop this violence being threatened by these people. He should allow free and fair elections like the former President Goodluck Jonathan.
More so, the citizens can stop it by protesting across the country to draw the attention of the international community to their threat of violence. This will enable the various embassies to put them on watch list. This will also make them restrict them from travelling abroad for medical treatments or for other engagements.
The political parties are not doing enough. They have not been able to speak against this violence. They can let the whole world know of this violence through organising press conferences to speak against and by so doing, I believe all these things will reduce drastically.
Security agencies should be up to their games – Bevy Efe, activist; Benin
The trend of political thugs from the ruling party APC threatening the opposition in Nigeria’s political spaces is not healthy to our nascent democracy, and it’s a shame that the All Progressive Congress (APC) has been unable to caution their political thugs on the rules of engagement.
Nigeria Constitution says, every citizen has the right to freedom of expression, association and assembly. It’s also unfortunate that the Nigeria’s security agencies, especially the police that ought to maintain peace and order have been bought by the ruling party and they have decided to sit and watch while things go bad on daily basis. If the Nigeria government is sincere to ensure peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the 2027 general election, they must strengthen security architecture of the country in order to give way for peaceful campaigns, community engagement, and voter education among all. INEC should show to Nigerians that they are really independent.
