Intimidation, destruction of billboards, denial of campaign venues signpost violent 2027 poll

Opposition political parties have raised concerns over alleged intimidation, destruction of campaign posters and billboards, physical attacks on supporters, and denial of access to public venues ahead of the 2027 general election.

There are cries of intimidation and oppression coming from various parts of the country. While the opposition parties have been denied carrying out their campaign seamlessly through denial of venues and inflation of outdoor advertising rates, their members are also being physically attacked.

A supporter of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) lost his life in Enugu recently during the party’s rally. The party alleged that its members were attacked by a rival ruling party in the state.

There are reports of attacks and clashes in Edo, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and other States arising from intolerance of the opposition.

Sani Dawop, National Publicity Secretary of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the party’s governorship candidate in Plateau State for the 2027 election, described the development as unfortunate, warning that the suppression of opposition parties could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Dawop said it was particularly disappointing that such incidents were being reported under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a former dogged fighter for democratic rights and opposition politics.

He recalled Tinubu’s years in opposition, particularly his political struggle against the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that he remained the lone AD governor between 2003 and 2007 before the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.

“Unfortunately, when we saw what was happening, some of us left, and today, APC has become a shadow of itself. The promises that the party made to Nigerians have not been fulfilled. The President should be focusing on delivering on his mandate and promises to Nigerians. The party is busy emasculating the opposition, denying them venues and public buildings to carry out their events, to the extent that the entire opposition in Nigeria is denied the opportunity to advertise or even raise billboards,” he said.

The governorship candidate described the situation as a sad commentary on the country’s democratic development, warning that those undermining opposition parties could eventually suffer the consequences of their actions.

“These same people are destroying democracy and, I can tell you, without realising it, they are destroying themselves, and they will be consumed by the act. If they have performed, why are they afraid? Show up your performance. That is all Nigerians are asking,” he said.

He urged political parties to respect democratic principles and allow all contestants to campaign freely, stressing that Nigeria was bigger than any individual or political party.

He condemned the destruction of campaign posters and billboards belonging to any political party, including those of the ruling APC, insisting that political disagreements should not degenerate into violence.

“I don’t subscribe to violence, but everybody should know that nobody has a monopoly on violence. If this is the way the whole game is going to be played, all of us will be losers and back to square one,” he said.

He also expressed concern over reports that the APC in Sokoto State allegedly paid hotels to deny the African Democratic Congress (ADC) access to accommodation ahead of its campaign launch.

According to him, such actions would only draw more attention to opposition parties rather than weaken them.

“They are not helping themselves because they end up popularising the opposition. Let’s campaign on issues and manifestoes and programmes,” he added.

He also raised concerns over the absence of President Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar at a peace accord signing ceremony, describing it as unusual.

Don warns of early signs of violence

Meanwhile, Fidelis Gberindyer, a university lecturer at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, warned that growing reports of intimidation, attacks on opposition members and restrictions on campaign activities were dangerous signs ahead of the 2027 election.

Gberindyer said the development could indicate the possibility of violence in some parts of the country if urgent steps were not taken to address them.

He said that opposition parties were reportedly being denied access to public spaces despite assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies that all political parties would enjoy a level playing field.

He warned that the alleged use of security agencies to intimidate political opponents and restrictions on campaign activities could weaken democratic institutions, discourage political participation and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He also said that victimising opposition parties before and during elections could prevent them from mobilising supporters and offering voters genuine alternatives.

The don called on political leaders, security agencies, INEC and other stakeholders to prevent developments capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic system.

Kaduna ADP Candidate calls for level playing field

Similarly, the ADP governorship candidate in Kaduna State for the 2027 election, John Yayock Solomon, has warned that intimidation, destruction of campaign materials and denial of campaign spaces could threaten the credibility of the forthcoming election.

Solomon said reports of attacks on opposition members and restrictions on political activities across the country were worrying and required urgent attention.

He alleged that opposition parties in Kaduna State had experienced the destruction of their billboards and denial of access to public squares and open spaces for political events.

He also accused some local government authorities of imposing excessive charges on opposition parties for the use of public facilities while allegedly granting the same facilities free to ruling parties.

“The 2027 election must not be bloody. Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of electoral violence,” Solomon said.

“An election should be a contest of ideas, not a contest of intimidation.”

Solomon called on authorities to ensure that every political party was allowed to campaign freely and present its manifesto to Nigerians without intimidation.

Lawyer cautions against inflaming tension

A prominent Nigerian Lawyer and former presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla, has cautioned against generalising alleged incidents of intimidation and restrictions into predictions that the 2027 election would be bloody.

Obono-Obla said although reports of poster destruction, intimidation and denial of public venues raised legitimate concerns, describing isolated incidents as evidence that the elections would be violence-ridden could create unnecessary tension.

He recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari was denied access to the Calabar Stadium in 2015 despite making payment, but relocated his event without escalating tensions.

He said the focus should be on institutional responses to reported violations, urging political parties to provide evidence of alleged attacks and denial of access to public facilities rather than rely on rumours.

Obono-Obla also called for public assets not to be used against opposition parties and urged that the Peace Accord should include sanctions for violations.

He further stressed the need for security agencies to remain neutral and ensure that early warning signs did not develop into a national crisis.