A coalition of civil rights organisations has raised the alarm over the alleged proliferation of firearms, political violence, intimidation and attacks on opposition groups ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Key Highlights
- Rights coalition warns of rising political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Group raises concerns over alleged firearms displayed during political activities in Kano.
- Coalition cites an alleged attack on an NDC ward meeting in Enugu.
- Group questions alleged political statements attributed to governors and government officials.
- Coalition defends Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe over his controversial “firepower” comment.
- Police, DSS and other security agencies urged to investigate alleged illegal possession of firearms.
- Group says Nigerians must be allowed to vote without intimidation or violence.
Rights Group Warns of Rising Political Tension
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, which raised the concerns at a world press conference, warned that growing political intolerance across parts of Nigeria could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections and disenfranchise voters.
The coalition’s Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, said elections should be contests of ideas, policies and programmes rather than battles involving guns, political thugs and violence.
According to the group, recent incidents and political statements in Kano, Enugu, Ebonyi, Borno and the Federal Capital Territory point to what it described as a “troubling national landscape” capable of creating fear among voters ahead of the elections.
Coalition Raises Concern Over Alleged Gun Display in Kano
The coalition specifically raised concerns over footage allegedly showing Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, identified by the group as a National Democratic Congress, NDC, House of Assembly candidate linked to the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano State, participating in political mobilisation while carrying what appeared to be a firearm.
The group said the alleged display of a weapon during political activities could intimidate voters and risk normalising the presence of firearms in Nigeria’s electoral politics.
It also referenced previous incidents of alleged political thuggery and armed clashes in Kano, warning that such developments could discourage citizens from participating freely in the electoral process.
The allegation regarding the firearm display should be independently investigated by the relevant security authorities.
Enugu Political Meeting Attack Raises Concern
In Enugu State, the coalition cited an alleged attack on an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, in September 2026.
It alleged that unidentified gunmen disrupted the meeting, destroyed property and injured at least eight people.
The organisation said attacks on political meetings and gatherings could undermine the ability of opposition parties and their supporters to organise and campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.
Coalition Questions Alleged Ebonyi Political Directive
The coalition also demanded clarification over comments it said were attributed to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru during the swearing-in of newly elected local government chairmen.
According to the group, the governor allegedly directed the chairmen to work towards an All Progressives Congress victory in 2027 and warned against opposition activities.
The coalition said that if accurately reported and taken in context, such statements could deepen political tensions and raise concerns about whether opposition parties would be able to campaign freely.
Borno Rhetoric Also Raises Alarm
In Borno State, the coalition raised concerns over alleged inflammatory comments attributed to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba.
The organisation called for political rhetoric capable of heightening tensions to be investigated and addressed, particularly as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
It warned that inflammatory statements from political leaders and government officials could contribute to an already tense electoral environment.
Kuje Residents Allegedly Warned Over Political Support
The coalition further alleged that political actors in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory warned residents who were unwilling to support the ruling party to leave the area.
It also accused authorities in some parts of the country of harassing opposition parties, destroying campaign materials and restricting peaceful political gatherings.
The organisation said such actions, if established, could undermine citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and political participation.
Read also:
- Kano Police Summon NDC Candidate Over Alleged Gun Display at Rally
- ADC Asks Police, DSS To Probe Edo APC Chairman Over ‘AK-47 Fire’ Remark
- Police Commence Investigation Into Disruption Of Political Gatherings In Enugu
Coalition Defends Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe
The group, however, defended Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe over comments attributed to him during recent political engagements.
According to the coalition, videos of Tenebe’s remarks had been circulated and, in its assessment, misinterpreted or taken out of context.
The organisation said Tenebe’s reference to “firepower” was metaphorical and made in the context of prayer and resistance to attempts to disrupt elections, rather than a call for supporters to take up arms.
It added that the APC chairman also called on security agencies to take responsibility for preventing electoral violence and urged APC supporters to participate peacefully in the elections.
The coalition said Tenebe referenced the Bible while encouraging voters to hold their Bibles in one hand and their Permanent Voter Cards in the other.
It therefore rejected claims that the Edo APC chairman was promoting political violence, arguing that his remarks, when considered in their entirety, centred on faith, peaceful political participation and the responsibility of security agencies to maintain law and order.
Coalition Demands Investigation Into Firearms
The civil rights coalition called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other security and intelligence agencies to immediately investigate reports of firearms being displayed or unlawfully possessed by politicians, candidates and political thugs.
It demanded that anyone found brandishing or illegally possessing firearms in connection with political activities should be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation.
The group also urged governors and other government officials to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, threats and directives capable of encouraging violence against political opponents.
Group Calls for Protection of Opposition Parties
The coalition demanded an end to what it described as harassment of minority opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress, ADC, destruction of campaign materials and restrictions on peaceful political gatherings.
It further called for stronger electoral security measures in vulnerable local government areas to ensure that Nigerians can participate in the 2027 elections without fear or intimidation.
The organisation said the Permanent Voter Card, PVC, must remain the principal instrument through which Nigerians exercise their democratic choice.
“Democracy cannot thrive at gunpoint,” the coalition said, insisting that the 2027 elections must be protected by law and driven by peaceful citizens rather than armed political actors.
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