As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, remarks by some senior All Progressives Congress (APC) members and supporters have triggered widespread public concern.
Critics describe the comments as threatening, intimidating, or as attempts to pressure voters into backing the ruling party.
One case involved Osun East Senator Francis Fadahunsi, accused of threatening Accord Party members in Ilesa ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
He later withdrew a statement in which he reportedly threatened to kill opposition members.In another incident, an aide to the Kuje Area Council chairman allegedly warned residents: “If you do not vote for Tinubu and APC candidates, Kuje is not a place for you to live.”
More recently, public outrage followed comments attributed to Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Sainna Buba.
In a widely circulated video, Buba was reported to have suggested that force could be used against those who refuse to support the APC in 2027.
He was also accused of threatening to cut off the hand of anyone who declined to vote for the party.
From Yobe State, APC chairman Muhammad Gadaka was earlier reported to have told women whose husbands prevented them from voting APC to leave their marriages, adding that he would marry them.
After the remarks drew strong reactions, Gadaka withdrew the statement, apologised, and said he had only been joking.At a large APC rally in Kano on Saturday, journalist Tijjani Muhammad told Daily Post that he and others grew fearful as the event progressed.
Suspected thugs carrying dangerous weapons were reportedly seen moving around the roads near Sani Abacha Stadium, with security personnel following them.
Online videos showed thugs along the roads, including one person attempting to forcibly take a phone from a passenger in a Keke Napep.
Legal experts and stakeholders have stressed that Nigerians retain the right to vote freely. Lawyer and social commentator Ibrahim Kiyawa told Daily Post that the Electoral Act protects voters’ rights and prohibits the use of force, intimidation or threats to influence voting.
He noted that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to associate, choose their representatives and join any political party they prefer.
“The Nigerian Constitution has given every citizen the right to association, to elect whoever he wishes and to join any political party of his choice,” Kiyawa said.
He added that these rights do not extend to activities that threaten public peace or national security. While politicians seek to persuade voters, the law forbids intimidation or coercion.
Kiyawa urged politicians to control their supporters and called on security agencies to maintain law and order.Kano-based activist and journalist Mamman Buhari warned that such comments risk driving voter apathy.
“We may have voter apathy with comments like these. Then the polling units will be filled with thugs and party members. They may still fight,” he said, expressing particular concern about rising tensions in Northern Nigeria.
Many Nigerians have voiced worries about safety and confidence in the electoral process, even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police and the Bola Tinubu-led administration have pledged free, fair and credible polls.
With political activity intensifying ahead of 2027, the central question remains whether harsh and threatening statements will help politicians secure votes or instead deepen fear and distrust in the electoral system.
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