2027 Elections: Lawyers Warn Intimidation, Threats Could Undermine Democracy

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, lawyers across the country have expressed concern over alleged threats, intimidation and political violence, warning that the trend could undermine citizens’ rights and the credibility of the electoral process.

The alarm followed a series of reported incidents involving political supporters, public officials and opposition groups. Among them was an alleged threat by the chairman of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State to demolish any hotel that hosted a meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress or any political party other than the APC.

The chairman was also reported to have visited Ekpoma motor park, where he ordered that commercial drivers wearing caps associated with other political parties should not be allowed into the park.

Similar allegations were reported in Abuja and Borno State. A council chairman in Abuja was said to have directed residents unwilling to support the APC to leave the FCT, while a Borno commissioner reportedly threatened that residents who opposed the ruling party would be flogged.

The reports also included allegations that thugs had disrupted political meetings, attacked individuals and damaged property in different states.

Reacting to the developments, SAN Kenneth C. Ahia said such actions threaten fundamental constitutional rights and could affect citizens’ confidence in elections.

“An election remains meaningful only when citizens can campaign, speak and vote without fear,” Ahia said, while calling for every reported threat to be investigated and for officials who abuse public power to face appropriate consequences.

He maintained that political parties should seek votes through “persuasion and performance, never by coercion.”

SAN Dayo Akinlaja said the alleged threats showed that Nigerian politics had yet to overcome intolerance and incivility.

“It is clear beyond any measure of doubt that all these threats are highly unconstitutional, illegal, unfortunate and disturbing,” he said, adding that electioneering should focus on issues rather than fear.

According to him, “Issues, not threats, should define electioneering campaigns.”

Lawyer Nkereuwem Akpan said any attempt to prevent citizens from freely choosing their preferred political party or candidate was contrary to the foundations of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

He said the right to vote for a candidate of one’s choice was fundamental and that attempts to discriminate against citizens based on political affiliation could constitute electoral offences.

Chief Chukwuma Nwachukwu warned that political actors must respect the Constitution and other laws, saying the Independent National Electoral Commission should caution political office holders against inflammatory rhetoric as the elections approach.

“As for the issue of imposing huge sums of money as fees for the erection of campaign billboards, I do not see the necessity of imposing a prohibitive sum different from what is generally applicable to other advertisements,” he said, before warning that “if political actors don’t comply with the laws of the land, doomsday beckons.”

Evans Ufeli said intimidation could have serious consequences for the electoral process, particularly where threats are intended to influence voters or prevent political participation.

“Political intimidation transforms elections from a contest of ideas into a marketplace of fear,” he said, adding that such conduct could potentially lead to electoral offences, abuse-of-office allegations, civil claims and criminal liability where the necessary evidence exists.

Femi Aborisade also warned that the credibility of the electoral process could be endangered if citizens were threatened because of their political choices.

“Political competition should be about ideas, policies, programmes and the records of those seeking public office. Where intimidation replaces persuasion, democracy is inevitably weakened,” he said.

Eric Omare, Amaebi Clarkson, Amarachi Owhoeli and George Akiki similarly called for action by security agencies and electoral authorities to protect citizens and ensure a level playing field ahead of the 2027 polls.

Meanwhile, Dr Wunmi Bewaji urged political actors to promote tolerance across party lines, arguing that intolerance should not be viewed solely through the conduct of the ruling party.

“I think we need to preach political tolerance,” Bewaji said.

Election law expert Emeka Nwosu said effective enforcement remained crucial, noting that cases of electoral offences must move from allegations to investigation, prosecution and conviction where evidence supports them.

He called for specialised investigators, proper documentation and evidence preservation, dedicated prosecutors and equal enforcement of the law irrespective of the political status of those involved.

The lawyers’ concerns centre on the need to ensure that Nigerians can participate in the 2027 elections and make political choices without coercion, threats or intimidation.

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