EDITORIAL: Stopping the Wave of Violence Ahead of the 2027 Elections

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the ominous rise in political violence should resonate deeply with our leaders. This troubling trend could signal a serious threat to democratic governance. The imperative for political leaders is to unite and adhere to established democratic principles to avert a potentially devastating crisis.

Currently, there is noticeable discord among both the ruling party and opposition factions as we inch closer to the party primaries. Incidents of hostility and aggressive tactics permeate the political landscape, illustrating the shift towards an increasingly violent political environment. Furthermore, the opposition parties are under considerable duress from the ruling party, which seems to engage in strategies aimed at destabilizing them through internal discord. This includes fostering internal conflicts and exploiting the justice system to undermine opposition candidates’ aspirations, an action which undermines democracy itself.

On February 24, a disturbing incident occurred when thugs allegedly affiliated with the ruling party violently interrupted a gathering of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin, Edo State. The meeting, intended to welcome Olumide Akpata into their ranks after he left the Labour Party, descended into chaos with vandalized vehicles and gunfire prompting attendees to flee for their safety.

Amidst the chaos, notable ADC members, including former governors Peter Obi, Oserheimen Osunbor, and John Oyegun, sought refuge in Mr. Oyegun’s home, only to be targeted by gunfire from their pursuers. Mr. Akpata, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Labour Party's candidate in the previous gubernatorial election in Edo State, became involved in this turmoil following the recent election victory of Monday Okpebholo from the APC.

A comparable situation unfolded in Ondo State during the APC's ward congresses on February 18, which concluded tragically with the deaths of two individuals, alongside several injuries. The violence was attributed to internal party conflicts, prompting pleas for intervention from the party's chair, Ade Adetimehin, after he was assaulted.

Other regions have also not been spared, as evidenced by the shocking murders of ADC leaders, Esther Chiemezie Ijeoma and Ambrose Ndukwe, in Imo State early this year. In Cross River State, confrontations with thugs resulted in destruction of property and intimidation of party members, significantly hampering ADC activities in the area.

In Rivers State, incidents of political violence continued, marked by an attack on the convoy of former governor and minister Rotimi Amaechi as he made his way to register his ADC membership.

For democracy to thrive, it is essential to uphold key values such as tolerance, respect for the law, freedom of movement, and fairness in electoral participation—all enshrined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. The recent actions taken by governors, prohibiting opposition figures such as Peter Obi from campaigning in certain areas without prior clearance, represent a flagrant disregard for these constitutional rights.

Such intimidation tactics were glaringly articulated by Governor Okpebholo of Edo State when he warned Mr. Obi that his safety would not be guaranteed during a visit, suggesting that he would be responsible for whatever transpired during such visitations, a statement which is undeniably incendiary.

In light of recent events, the ADC quickly characterized the violent clashes as an assassination attempt, pointing fingers at the APC as instigators. The governor dismissed these claims as mere tactics of psychological maneuvering, suggesting they arise from internal party discord. However, the facts surrounding the incidents tell a more complicated tale, wherein inflammatory comments such as those from Governor Okpebholo can exacerbate distrust and threaten national unity.

This rhetoric appears to have incited actions from individuals like Monday Udeme, who took to social media to boast about his involvement in the attack against ADC members, declaring that Mr. Obi narrowly escaped fatality. He has been arrested and is expected to face court charges, highlighting an unacceptably lenient approach towards political violence.

In countries where the sanctity of life is paramount, swift action exists against individuals threatening political stability. For instance, Ryan Routh in the United States faced immediate consequences for a targeted threat against a political figure.

It falls upon President Tinubu, as the chief steward of national security, to enforce law and order during this electoral period, especially as his government is accountable for this first major election under its watch. A failure to protect opposition leaders from threats of violence would show a deep-seated complicity within the administration.

Amidst this toxic political atmosphere, utterances from figures such as Sunday Igboho, who recently belittled the electoral ambitions of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, illustrate a need for immediate and serious security considerations. These threats to disrupt electoral campaigns must be addressed with urgency.

The current political climate bears stark resemblance to the murky events surrounding the assassination of Attorney-General Bola Ige in 2001, followed by numerous other acts of violence targeting political figures without justice rendered to date. Our democracy cannot withstand such savage behavior in the pursuit of power, and the plague of violence leading to the 2027 elections must be stemmed decisively.