morganable politics/elections
One of the most controversial incidents involved Shekwolo, whose remarks in a viral video triggered widespread condemnation. In the footage, the council chairman was seen warning residents who do not support the ruling All Progressives Congress to leave the area.
KaNo—
The Nigeria Police Force and the National Peace Committee chaired by former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, have intensified efforts to curb rising political tension and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move comes amid growing concerns over threats, alleged incitement, and isolated incidents of violence linked to early campaign activities across parts of the country.
Police authorities confirmed that investigations have commenced into controversial remarks allegedly made by the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo; and Senator Francis Fadahunsi.
Simultaneously, the National Peace Committee has activated a situation room and deployed an Electoral Offences Tracking System aimed at monitoring political campaigns, compliance with peace accords, and actions capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
Political Actors Making Inflammatory Comments
One of the most controversial incidents involved Shekwolo, whose remarks in a viral video triggered widespread condemnation.
In the footage, the council chairman was seen warning residents who do not support the ruling All Progressives Congress to leave the area.
“I’ve said in my area council, it is either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I am not hiding it. I’m saying it with all confidence,” Shekwolo said in the video.
Days after the statement surfaced, violence was reported in Kuje, Abuja, where suspected thugs armed with cutlasses allegedly attacked a political gathering organised by the Accord Party.
Witnesses said the attackers disrupted the meeting, destroyed campaign materials and furniture, and injured at least one participant.
Senator Fadahunsi Makes Threatening Comments
In Osun State, Senator Fadahunsi also came under scrutiny following another viral video in which he allegedly made threatening remarks against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa.
The lawmaker, who addressed supporters in Yoruba, was reacting to what he described as killings of APC members in the area.
In the video, he reportedly warned that violence could escalate if rival party members were encountered before the election.
The remarks came shortly after a shooting incident in the Imo area of Ilesa, where three people were killed amid heightened political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
However, details surrounding the incident remain contested, with no definitive account of the perpetrators or motive.
Opposition Accuse APC Of Creating Fear
The developments have drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties, which accuse the ruling APC of fostering a climate of fear to influence electoral outcomes.
On Tuesday, opposition figures alleged that the pattern of threats and violence suggested a coordinated attempt to suppress voter participation.
The Peoples Democratic Party National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, backed by former Minister Tanimu Turaki, told journalists that the ruling party was apprehensive about facing a genuinely free and fair election.
According to him, recent incidents were not isolated but reflected a broader strategy aimed at intimidating voters and discouraging turnout.
“The attacks and threats are clear indication of the rejection that they are already aware of. A free, fair and credible election will produce a result that will be undesirable to them,” Ememobong said.
He added that opposition parties were exploring collaboration to counter what he described as systemic intimidation and to provide a united platform for Nigerians dissatisfied with the current administration.
Director warned that democracy in Nigeria was under threat, alleging that undemocratic tactics were being deployed to silence dissenting voices and weaken opposition participation.
He called on security agencies and the international community to remain vigilant and ensure that the electoral process is protected from manipulation or coercion.
The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, Yabagi Sani, also weighed in, cautioning political actors against actions that could plunge the country into disorder.
Sani urged stakeholders to prioritise peace and adhere strictly to democratic principles, warning that unchecked inflammatory rhetoric could trigger widespread instability.
However, the APC has dismissed the allegations, insisting that it has no interest in fostering violence or undermining the electoral process. The party’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, challenged critics to provide evidence supporting their claims.
He argued that as the ruling party, the APC remained focused on governance and would rely on its performance to secure electoral support rather than intimidation.
“It makes no sense for a party in power to create chaos when it is working to retain that power through democratic means,” Ibrahim said.
Police Commit To Maintaining Law,Order
Despite the conflicting positions, the Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that individuals found culpable of incitement or violence would face legal consequences.
Security analysts say early intervention by law enforcement and peace-building institutions is critical in preventing escalation, particularly given Nigeria’s history of election-related violence.
The activation of the National Peace Committee’s monitoring mechanisms is also seen as a proactive step to enforce compliance with political agreements and discourage hate speech and incitement.
The committee has played a significant role in previous election cycles by facilitating peace accords among political actors and mediating tensions before and after elections.
Observers note that the introduction of an Electoral Offences Tracking System could enhance accountability by documenting violations and providing evidence for possible sanctions.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace, stakeholders have emphasised the need for restraint, responsible political engagement, and adherence to the rule of law.
Civil society organisations have also called for voter education and increased public awareness to counter misinformation and reduce susceptibility to intimidation.
With political activities expected to intensify in the coming months, the actions of the police and the National Peace Committee are likely to remain central to efforts aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.
