2027 ELECTIONS: Lawyers Raise Fresh Alarm Over Threats, Intimidation As Political Tension Mounts

By Our Correspondent


As preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, concerned lawyers and legal practitioners have raised alarm over a series of reported threats, intimidation and attacks allegedly targeting opposition supporters and political activities across parts of Nigeria.

The concerns followed reports of alleged threats by some public officials and political actors, including claims involving political meetings, commercial drivers, residents and opposition supporters.

In Edo State, the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area was reportedly accused of threatening a hotel hosting a meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, allegedly warning that buildings used for meetings of parties other than the All Progressives Congress could be demolished.

The chairman was also reportedly said to have visited Ekpoma motor park, where he allegedly directed that commercial drivers wearing caps associated with parties other than the APC should not be allowed into the park.

Similar allegations have emerged from other parts of the country. In Abuja, a council chairman was reportedly accused of telling residents who would not support the APC to leave the Federal Capital Territory, while in Borno State, a commissioner was alleged to have threatened residents who opposed the ruling party.

Against this backdrop, lawyers have warned that political intimidation, if allowed to continue unchecked, could heighten tension and undermine public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.

Threats Can Undermine Confidence In Elections — Ahia

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kenneth C. Ahia, argued that reported attempts to restrict citizens because of their political choices could violate constitutional protections.

He cited Sections 34, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which deal with dignity of the human person, freedom of association and assembly, freedom of movement and protection from discrimination.

According to him, elections can only be meaningful when citizens are able to campaign, speak and vote without fear.

Ahia called for proper investigation of reported threats and appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing is established, stressing that political parties should seek votes through persuasion and performance rather than coercion.

‘Politics Should Be About Issues, Not Threats’

Another SAN, Dayo Akinlaja, described the reported incidents as troubling, arguing that Nigeria should have moved beyond politics characterised by intolerance and intimidation.

He maintained that political campaigns should be driven by issues and competing ideas rather than fear.

According to Akinlaja, the increasing prominence of threats and inflammatory rhetoric during election periods raises concerns about the direction of Nigeria’s democratic development.

Lawyer Warns Against Restricting Political Choice

Abuja-based senior lawyer Nkereuwem Akpan said citizens have a constitutional right to support political parties and candidates of their choice.

He argued that any attempt to prevent Nigerians from exercising their political choices could have legal consequences, particularly where threats, discrimination or coercion are involved.

Akpan also recalled Nigeria’s political history, noting that political dominance has changed hands over the years and warning that no political party should assume permanent control of the country’s political space.

‘Doomsday Beckons’ If Political Actors Ignore The Law

Chief Chukwuma Nwachukwu said the reported incidents point to what he described as political impunity and disregard for constitutional rights.

He stressed that public officials and political actors remain subject to the Constitution and other laws of the country.

Nwachukwu urged law-enforcement agencies to act within their statutory responsibilities and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to caution political office holders against inflammatory statements ahead of the elections.

‘Political Intimidation Turns Elections Into A Marketplace Of Fear’

Lawyer Evans Ufeli said threats against citizens because of their political affiliation could affect the ability of voters to freely exercise their franchise.

He noted that the Electoral Act 2026 contains provisions addressing undue influence and conduct involving threats, coercion and violence intended to interfere with voters’ choices.

Ufeli argued that where evidence establishes violations, such conduct could potentially result in electoral offences, civil claims, disciplinary action or criminal liability, depending on the circumstances.

He said elections should provide citizens with the freedom to make political choices without having to fear losing employment, access to services, business opportunities or personal safety.

Credibility Of Electoral Process At Risk — Aborisade

Femi Aborisade also expressed concern over the reported threats, saying political competition should centre on ideas, policies, programmes and the records of candidates.

He warned that continued intimidation could discourage citizens from openly participating in political activities or expressing their genuine preferences.

According to him, public officials have a responsibility to protect citizens’ rights rather than use public office to influence their political choices.

Security Agencies Urged To Act

Dr Eric Omare, former President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, said reported threats by members of the ruling party against opposition supporters should receive the attention of security agencies.

He urged authorities to take preventive measures to address threats capable of escalating political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amaebi Clarkson similarly called for respect for constitutional rights, particularly the freedoms of association and peaceful assembly.

He recalled that the APC itself benefited from Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system when it came to power in 2015.

‘Threats Can Plunge The Country Into Chaos’

Port Harcourt-based lawyer Amarachi Owhoeli said threats and political violence could create a climate of fear during election periods.

She called on security agencies to identify and investigate individuals responsible for threats and ensure that those found culpable face the law.

George Akiki, former Chairman of the NBA Young Lawyers Forum, Calabar Branch, also urged INEC to create conditions that would enable political parties to participate on a level playing field.

He noted that the Constitution protects citizens’ rights to political association and participation, while security agencies have a responsibility to protect voters and other election participants from coercion and intimidation.

Lawyers Demand Restraint As 2027 Draws Closer

Other legal practitioners, including Tajudeen Olutop, former Chairman of the NBA, Owo Branch, and Chief Ola Amure, stressed that citizens should not be intimidated, assaulted or denied access to public facilities because of their political preferences.

They noted that inflammatory political statements may heighten tension even where those making them lack the legal authority or genuine intention to implement the threats.

Moruff Balogun, former Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ijebu Ode Branch, said the more significant concern was the effect of political statements made by individuals who control public institutions and resources.

As the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the lawyers’ warnings have renewed calls for political actors, security agencies and electoral authorities to ensure that political competition remains within the boundaries of the law and that Nigerians are able to participate in the electoral process without intimidation or coercion.