…Opposition, CSOs Express Concern Over Intimidating Statements
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, comments by some senior members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have sparked public concern, with many describing the statements as threatening, intimidating, or attempts to pressure voters into supporting the ruling party.
CDA News Nigeria reports that one notable controversy involves Osun East Senator, Francis Fadahunsi, who was accused of threatening members of the Accord Party in Ilesa ahead of the Osun State governorship election. The Senator later withdrew his statement in which he had threatened to kill opposition members, but the incident has already fueled fears about the conduct of political actors as elections approach.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that civil society organizations and opposition parties have raised alarms over the growing pattern of inflammatory rhetoric from APC members across various states. These concerns come on the heels of similar warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force, who vowed to crack down on politicians engaging in threats and intimidation .
The development has drawn comparisons to past election cycles where violence and voter intimidation undermined the credibility of polls. The Oyo State chapter of the APC recently described Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition as a “political drama script,” while former NNPP Secretary Buba Galadima had previously called for citizens to carry “bottles and jerrycans of kerosene” to polling units . Such statements have heightened tensions and raised questions about the commitment of political actors to peaceful elections.
Stakeholders are now calling on security agencies to take decisive action against offenders, regardless of their political affiliation, to ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair, and devoid of intimidation. The Electoral Act prescribes fines and imprisonment for using or threatening force to influence voting .
Source verification: Original reporting based on public statements by APC members, including Senator Francis Fadahunsi, and reactions from civil society organizations and opposition parties.
Editorial Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to accurate and balanced reporting on electoral and political matters.
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