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As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, remarks attributed to some senior members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have continued to generate public concern.

Some of the comments have been interpreted as threatening, intimidating, or attempts to pressure voters into supporting the ruling party.

One such controversy involved the 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 allegedly 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, public outrage followed comments attributed to the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba.

In a widely circulated video, Buba was reported to have suggested that force could be deployed 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 ruling party.

As the controversy surrounding the comments continued, another statement emerged from Yobe State.

The APC chairman in the state, Muhammad Gadaka, was previously reported to have advised women whose husbands prevented them from voting for the APC to leave their marriages, saying he would marry them.

Following widespread reactions to the remark, Gadaka withdrew the statement and issued an apology.

He explained that he had been joking and urged the public to disregard his comments about divorce.

Journalist raises alarm

At a massive APC rally held in Kano on Saturday, thugs carrying dangerous weapons were reportedly seen moving around the streets while security personnel followed them.

A journalist who attended the rally, Tijjani Muhammad, told ZINGTIE that he and others became frightened as the event progressed after suspected thugs were spotted around the Sani Abacha Stadium, where the rally took place.

Videos seen by ZINGTIE online also showed suspected thugs moving along the roads, with one individual appearing to forcefully attempt to collect a phone from a passenger inside a Keke Napep in one of the clips.

However, legal experts and other stakeholders have continued to stress that Nigerians are entitled to freely exercise their voting rights.

Nigeria is governed by law – Lawyer

Reacting to the controversial comments and growing concerns, Nigerian lawyer and social commentator Ibrahim Kiyawa told ZINGTIE that the Electoral Act protects the rights of voters and prohibits the use of threats, force, or intimidation to influence voting decisions.

He said every Nigerian has the right to freely choose a preferred candidate or political party without fear or pressure.

Kiyawa explained that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to associate, elect leaders of their choice, and belong to political parties they support.

“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, noted that such constitutional rights do not cover activities capable of threatening 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.”

According to Kiyawa, politicians are currently making efforts to persuade voters to support their preferred candidates, but the law clearly prohibits intimidation or forcing anyone to vote for or against a particular 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 urged politicians to take responsibility for their supporters and prevent acts of harassment and intimidation during the election period.

He also maintained that Nigerians are free to vote for candidates of their choice and called on security agencies to properly carry out their দায়িত্ব of maintaining law and order.

Mamman Buhari, an activist and journalist based in Kano, also told ZINGTIE that comments of such nature could discourage many Nigerians from participating in elections.

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 that the political atmosphere could become increasingly tense, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Many Nigerians have continued to raise concerns about their safety and confidence in the electoral process, despite assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Nigeria Police, and the Bola Tinubu-led administration that the polls would be free, fair, and credible.

As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to intensify, concerns remain over whether harsh and threatening political remarks will persuade voters or instead deepen fear and distrust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

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