APC: Threats Against Opposition Raise Concerns Over Electoral Safety

Concern is mounting ahead of the 2027 general election over a series of statements and actions by some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, which opposition groups and civil society organisations have described as threats and intimidation.

The concerns have emerged from incidents reported in Borno State, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Osun and Ebonyi, where some APC-linked public officials have made statements warning opponents or voters against supporting opposition parties.

The presidential and National Assembly campaigns commenced on August 19, 2026, while the governorship and State Assembly campaigns began on September 9, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

In Borno State, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, sparked controversy after warning political opponents against challenging the APC during an event organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement in Maiduguri.

Buba was reported to have threatened to break the fingers of those who opposed the ruling party and said people who refused to support the government would be flogged. He later apologised and said his comments were not intended literally.

A similar controversy arose in Kuje Area Council of the FCT, where Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo reportedly told residents that they should support the APC or leave the area.

The remarks attracted criticism from rights and electoral groups, with the National Human Rights Commission calling for an investigation into the statement and urging relevant authorities to protect residents from intimidation and disenfranchisement.

In Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru also came under criticism after telling newly elected local government chairmen that they could lose their positions if they failed to deliver their respective councils for the APC in the 2027 election.

The governor said his administration would not accept a situation in which the APC failed to win a local government area, adding that chairmen who did not deliver their councils could be removed.

The incidents have drawn renewed attention to the possibility of political intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly following violence and controversial statements recorded during the 2026 Osun governorship election.

Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, had also faced criticism after a video circulated in which he appeared to call for the killing of members of the Accord Party. He later clarified that he meant defeating the party at the polls and was subsequently questioned by the police.

Electoral observers and civil society organisations have warned that inflammatory rhetoric could undermine voters’ freedom of choice and contribute to political violence if not addressed.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has separately called for investigations into reported attacks on opposition members and political gatherings in several states, including Rivers, Enugu, Kogi and Edo, alleging that some incidents involved supporters of the ruling party. The party has urged security agencies to make public the status of investigations into the reported incidents.

The controversy has also revived debate over the enforcement of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibiting threatening, abusive or inflammatory language during political campaigns. Section 97(1) specifically prohibits parties, candidates and other persons from threatening others with force or violence to compel political support or prevent support for another candidate.

With the 2027 election campaigns still in their early stages, electoral observers have urged political parties and public officials to moderate their rhetoric and allow voters to make their choices freely.

The growing concerns have placed greater responsibility on security agencies, INEC and political parties to ensure that campaign activities remain within the law and that citizens can participate in the electoral process without intimidation or fear.