A coalition of Nigerian civil rights organisations has raised concerns over the proliferation of firearms, political intimidation, and escalating violence ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness held a world press conference, highlighting recent incidents in Kano, Enugu, Ebonyi, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory. These incidents suggest a troubling pattern that could undermine peaceful political participation and election credibility. The coalition pointed out footage of a Kano political candidate openly carrying a firearm during campaign activities.
The coalition expressed concern over a reported attack on an NDC ward meeting in Enugu State, where gunmen disrupted the meeting, destroyed property, and injured at least eight people. They also cited alleged inflammatory statements by political actors in Ebonyi and Borno states. Opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress, have reported harassment, destruction of campaign materials, and restrictions on peaceful gatherings. The combination of political intolerance, inflammatory rhetoric, and display of firearms could create an atmosphere of fear, disenfranchising citizens.
The coalition drew a distinction between physical intimidation and comments by Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe. His remarks about prayer, the Permanent Voter Card, and reliance on security agencies were misunderstood and taken out of context. Tenebe urged voters to hold their Bibles and PVCs and called on security agencies to take charge, appealing for peaceful participation rather than endorsing violence.
The coalition demands immediate action from security and intelligence agencies against politicians, candidates, and thugs unlawfully possessing or brandishing firearms. They also called on governors and government officials to stop inflammatory rhetoric, protect opposition parties and minorities, and strengthen security in vulnerable areas ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the coalition, democracy must be protected by law and the ballot box, not by guns and political thuggery. They stressed the need for a safe and peaceful electoral process, free from intimidation and violence. The group's concerns reflect a broader anxiety about the state of Nigeria's democracy and the potential for violence to undermine the electoral process.
The incidents cited by the coalition have sparked fears of a return to the violent electoral practices that have marred Nigeria's past elections. The group's call for action by security agencies and government officials is a bid to prevent a recurrence of such violence. The coalition's clarification on Tenebe's statement aims to promote a more nuanced understanding of the issues at play.
The 2027 General Elections are still in the distant future, but the coalition's concerns highlight the need for early intervention to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process. The Nigerian government and security agencies must take proactive steps to address these concerns and guarantee a safe and credible election.
Key points
- The coalition demands action against politicians and thugs unlawfully possessing firearms.
- The Edo APC chairman's statement was taken out of context, according to the coalition.
- The 2027 General Elections face threats from violence, intimidation, and inflammatory rhetoric.
