Nigeria cannot afford to enter the 2027 general elections under a cloud of hate speech, threats and political intimidation. Yet, barely months into preparations for the polls, disturbing rhetoric from some politicians and public officials is beginning to raise fears that political competition could degenerate into confrontation, a trend that must be condemned unequivocally.

Elections are contests over ideas, policies and the confidence of citizens. They are not wars in which political opponents are enemies to be eliminated. Any politician who threatens, insults, demonises or incites violence against opponents is not merely engaging in aggressive politics; such conduct poses a direct threat to democracy and national stability.

Recent controversies involving political figures in Osun, the Federal Capital Territory, Borno and Ebonyi states illustrate the growing danger.

In Osun, Senator Francis Fadahunsi was widely condemned after a video circulated in which he appeared to call for the killing of members of a rival political party. Although he subsequently explained that he meant defeating the party at the ballot box and not through physical violence, the episode demonstrated how easily political rhetoric can cross the line into incitement.

Similarly, the Kuje Area Council chairman, Danjuma Shekwolo, came under criticism after appearing to tell residents that they must support the All Progressives Congress or leave the council. He later clarified that he had no intention of denying anyone their constitutional rights.

In Borno, Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Sainna Buba, also apologised and retracted remarks interpreted as threatening retaliation against political opponents.

In Ebonyi, Governor Francis Nwifuru’s reported directive that local government chairmen who fail to deliver their councils to the APC in 2027 could lose their positions, coupled with his reported call to deal with opposition parties mercilessly, has further fuelled concerns about the shrinking space for political competition.

These incidents should not be dismissed simply because some of the speakers later apologised or claimed their remarks were misunderstood.

Words matter, particularly when they come from people occupying public office. Political leaders command followership, and irresponsible statements can be interpreted by supporters as permission to intimidate, harass or attack opponents.

Nigeria has experienced enough electoral violence to know where such rhetoric can lead.

It is therefore encouraging that President Bola Tinubu, having previously used combative language in addressing his political opponents, has more recently adopted a stronger message of peace. At the signing of the 2027 election peace accord, the president warned political actors against exploiting ethnicity and religion and declared that elections must not become a do-or-die affair.

That position deserves support, but presidential rhetoric alone will not be enough.

The president must ensure that his administration’s commitment to peaceful elections is reflected in the conduct of members of his party and government. The same standard must, however, apply to every political party and politician.

The Nigeria Police Force has indicated that inciting comments are criminal offences and that it will investigate allegations irrespective of whose interests are involved. This commitment must be demonstrated through impartial enforcement. A democracy in which one politician is punished for inflammatory language while another is protected because of political connections will only encourage more reckless behaviour.

Political parties must discipline members who cross the line and make it clear that electoral victory cannot justify threats, hate speech or intimidation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media must equally remain vigilant.

Nigeria’s political leaders should remember that millions of citizens have different political opinions, ethnic backgrounds and religious affiliations. None should be made to feel that supporting an opposition candidate makes them an enemy of the state or a legitimate target.

The 2027 election should be a competition over how to improve the lives of Nigerians and not a contest to determine who can intimidate the other side into silence.

The electorate deserves the freedom to choose without fear. Political parties deserve the freedom to campaign without intimidation. And Nigeria deserves an election in which victory is determined by ballots, not threats. The time to stop hate speech and political incitement is now, before inflammatory words become violent actions.

For 2027 to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy rather than damage it, every politician must understand one simple principle: no electoral victory is worth the peace of the nation.