Nigeria warned of political threats ahead of 2027 elections — Premium Times Nigeria
Nigerian communications specialist Ehi Braimah warned in a column about the risk of political threats and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. He stressed that voters must be free to choose their government without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence, and that political opponents should not be viewed as enemies.
In a Premium Times Nigeria column, Braimah cited several examples of statements by politicians and a religious figure that, according to him, sparked public criticism. In particular, Kuje Area Council Chairman Danjuma Shekwolo said in a video that residents must either support the All Progressives Congress or leave the area. Shekwolo later clarified that he had no right to deprive residents of their fundamental rights.
Statements by politicians
The author also drew attention to comments by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru addressed to newly elected local council chairmen. According to Braimah, Nwifuru warned that leaders whose areas fail to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress in 2027 would be removed from office. He also allegedly urged council chairmen to act firmly against opposition politicians who would create problems in their territories.
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According to the columnist, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris spoke about fighting and chaos in connection with the 2027 elections in a circulated video. In Kano, during a mass wedding organized by the state authorities for 1,500 couples, Islamic preacher Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Braimah writes, urged Muslims to support a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and warned Christians about their “limits” if they did not do so.
Control over the electoral process
Braimah also questioned Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike’s statement about his intention to “deliver” Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. In the author’s view, politicians may campaign and mobilize supporters, but they cannot dispose of the votes of residents of states or territories.
The columnist called on the police, the State Security Service and Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission to act impartially regarding threats and intimidation. He also stressed the role of the media, civil society organizations and observers in documenting hate speech, vote buying, political violence and the possible use of state resources in election campaigns.
