…as Coalition Raises Alarm Over Arms Proliferation, Political Intimidation
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, a coalition of civil rights organisations, has raised the alarm over alleged political violence, intimidation and the proliferation of firearms ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The coalition, at a world press conference, addressed by its Director General Dr Gabriel Nwambu warned that escalating political intolerance and alleged crackdowns on opposition groups could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and threaten the safety of voters.
It said elections should be contests of ideas and policies rather than battles involving weapons, political thugs and violence.
According to the group, recent incidents and statements across several states point to what it described as a “troubling national landscape” capable of creating fear and disenfranchising citizens before election day.
In Kano State, the coalition said it was concerned about footage allegedly showing Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, described as a National Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Assembly candidate linked to the Kwankwasiyya movement, participating in campaign activities while visibly carrying a firearm.
The group said the alleged display of a weapon during political mobilisation could amount to voter intimidation and risk normalising the presence of firearms in political activities.
It also referenced previous incidents involving alleged political thuggery and armed clashes in Kano, warning that such developments could undermine peaceful political participation.
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 said unidentified gunmen reportedly disrupted the meeting, destroyed property and injured at least eight people.
The group also expressed concern over statements it attributed to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru during the swearing-in of local government chairmen.
According to the coalition, the governor was alleged to have directed the chairmen to work for an All Progressives Congress (APC) victory in 2027 and warned against opposition activities. The coalition called for clarification and accountability over any statements capable of escalating political tensions.
In Borno State, it also raised concerns over alleged inflammatory remarks attributed to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, saying such rhetoric could heighten political tensions if accurately reported.
The coalition further alleged that political actors in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory had issued warnings suggesting that residents unwilling to support the ruling party should leave the area.
It also accused state authorities in some parts of the country of harassing opposition parties, destroying campaign materials and imposing restrictions on peaceful political gatherings.
Coalition Defends Edo APC Chairman
The group, however, drew a distinction between alleged physical displays of firearms and statements it said had been made by Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, during recent political engagements.
According to the coalition, Tenebe’s remarks in circulated videos have been misunderstood and taken out of context.
It said that while one of his statements used the metaphor of “firepower” in reference to prayer and resistance to attempts to disrupt elections, the APC chairman also called on security agencies to take responsibility for preventing violence.
The coalition further said Tenebe urged APC supporters to pursue peaceful elections, citing the Bible and encouraging voters to hold their Bibles in one hand and their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the other.
The organisation therefore rejected allegations that the Edo APC chairman was promoting political violence, arguing that his message, as interpreted by the coalition, centred on faith, peaceful participation and the responsibility of security agencies to maintain law and order.
The coalition demands:
Immediate Disarmament of Political Spaces:
Security and intelligence agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), must act decisively to arrest and prosecute any politician, candidate, or political thug found brandishing or unlawfully possessing firearms, regardless of party affiliation.
2. Neutrality and Accountability from State Actors:
Governors and government officials must immediately cease inflammatory rhetoric, threats of violence, or directives instructing officials to “deal mercilessly” with political opponents.
3. Protection of Minorities and Opposition Parties:
We demand an immediate end to the harassment of minority parties such as the ADC, the destruction of campaign materials, and restrictions on peaceful political assembly.
4. Strengthening Electoral Security:
Law enforcement agencies must work proactively to secure vulnerable local government areas and ensure that citizens can exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and without intimidation, with the PVC remaining the principal instrument of democratic choice.
Democracy cannot thrive at gunpoint.
The 2027 General Elections must be a celebration of popular sovereignty, protected by the law and championed by peaceful citizens holding their Bibles, Korans, and PVCs—not by armed thugs and merchants of terror.
