NEWS UPDATE
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, comments by some senior members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have sparked public concern.
Some of the statements have been described as threatening, intimidating or attempts to put pressure on voters to support the ruling party.
One example is the controversy involving Osun East Senator, Francis Fadahunsi, who was accused of threatening members of the Accord Party in Ilesa ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
He later withdrew the statement in which he threatened to kill opposition members.
Similarly, an aide to the chairman of Kuje Area Council was reported to have warned residents that, “If you do not vote for Tinubu and APC candidates, Kuje is not a place for you to live.”
More recently, there was public anger over comments attributed to the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba.
In a video that circulated widely, Buba was reported to have said that force could be used against people who refused to support the APC in the 2027 elections.
He was also accused of threatening to cut off the hand of anyone who refused to vote for the party.
As the controversy continued, another statement emerged from Yobe State.
The APC chairman in the state, Muhammad Gadaka, was previously reported to have told women whose husbands stopped them from voting for the APC to leave their marriages, saying he would marry them.
After the comment generated widespread reactions, Gadaka withdrew the statement and apologised.
He said he was only joking and that his comments about divorce should be ignored.
Journalist raises alarm
At a massive APC rally in Kano on Saturday, thugs carrying dangerous weapons were reportedly seen moving around the roads while security personnel followed them.
A journalist who attended the rally, Tijjani Muhammad, told Journalist that he and others became afraid as the event progressed after some suspected thugs were seen around the Sani Abacha Stadium, where the rally was held.
Some videos seen by Media online showed thugs moving along roads, with one person attempting to forcefully take a phone from a passenger in a Keke Napep in one of the videos.
But legal experts and other stakeholders have argued and warned that Nigerians have the right to freely exercise their voting rights.
Nigeria is governed by law – Lawyer
Reacting to the comments and concerns, a Nigerian lawyer and social commentator, Ibrahim Kiyawa, told correspondent that the Electoral Act protects voters’ rights and prohibits the use of force, intimidation or threats to influence how people vote.
He said Nigerians have the right to freely choose the candidate or political party they want without fear, threats or pressure.
Kiyawa said the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freely associate, choose their political representatives and belong to political parties of their choice.
“The Nigerian Constitution has given every citizen the right to association, to elect whoever he wishes and to join any political party of his choice.”
He, however, said such rights do not extend to activities that threaten public peace or national security.
“However, the Constitution does not permit association with organisations or parties that would cause unrest or engage in treasonable actions.”
Kiyawa said politicians were now trying to convince voters to support their preferred candidates but warned that the law prohibits intimidation and forcing people to vote for or against a candidate.
“It is now the election period and politicians are trying to sell their candidates to voters. But the Electoral Act has warned against intimidation or forcing individuals to vote for or against any candidate.”
He added that the Constitution provides legal protection for Nigerians whose rights are violated.
“The Constitution has laws that protect the rights of any Nigerian who is mistreated.”
Kiyawa warned politicians to take responsibility for controlling their supporters and preventing harassment and intimidation during the election period.
He also stressed that Nigerians have the right to vote for candidates of their choice, while calling on security agencies to take their responsibilities seriously and ensure law and order.
Mamman Buhari, an activist and journalist in Kano, told Journalist that such comments could scare voters away from the polls.
He said, “We may have voter apathy with comments like these. Then the polling units will be filled with thugs and party members. They may still fight.”
Buhari expressed concern about the possibility of the political situation becoming heated, especially in Northern Nigeria.
Many Nigerians are already expressing concerns about safety and confidence in the elections, although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police and the Bola Tinubu-led administration have promised free, fair and credible polls.
With political activities ahead of the 2027 elections becoming more intense, the question remains whether harsh and threatening political statements will help politicians win voters or instead create more fear and distrust in the electoral process.
(Daily post)