Amnesty flags rising election threats as politicians issue divisive warnings ahead of 2027 polls
Amnesty International said it is monitoring and documenting reckless, inciting remarks by politicians ahead of Nigeria's 2027 elections, warning such rhetoric undermines democratic participation and could lead to accountability under international law. In Ebonyi State, Ohaukwu LGA Chairman Eze Paul Ituma told opponents in a video seen by Amnesty that "Anyone who tries to do so will be declared persona non grata" and that those not voting APC "should not come close to Ohaukwu". In Yobe State, APC Chairman Alhaji Muhammadu Gadaka told women whose husbands block APC voting to "divorce him" and offered dowry money, though he later apologized. Amnesty also cited FCT Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo's remark that "It's either you are doing APC or you leave the area council". Amnesty stressed these threats show desperation to undermine freedom of association and personal liberty, urging Nigeria Police to investigate the Ebonyi chairman's remarks and calling on authorities to protect voters' right to support any party without intimidation. The organisation emphasized everyone must be free to support, campaign for and vote for the candidate of their choice, warning authorities must act now to protect this right before the situation escalates into violence. With Amnesty documenting specific threats ahead of 2027 polls, what steps should voters and civic groups take to safeguard democratic participation in their communities?