Campaign For Votes, Not Violence

The current actions of certain Nigerian politically-exposed persons have compelled discerning minds to remind them that democracy is sustained by persuasion and the strength of arguments, not intimidation or the threat of guns.

As political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, the language of campaigns must reflect the principles of democratic competition, respect for citizens’ choices and the sanctity of human life. Any attempt to secure votes through threats, coercion or violence is, therefore, unacceptable.

That is why the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe’s threat of “AK-47 fire” against anyone who stands in the way of the party’s ambition to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election is a good example of the kind of provocative political rhetoric that should not be condoned in this time and age.

There is nothing wrong with political actors setting ambitious electoral targets. However, there is a fundamental difference between mobilising voters and threatening those who may not share a party’s political vision.

While the ambition to secure 2.5 million votes in Edo State for President Tinubu is the party’s campaign target, those votes can only belong to the APC when eligible voters have freely cast their ballots. Neither a party chairman nor any political organisation has the authority to determine how citizens must vote, much less threaten those who might choose differently.

As a newspaper, we wish to make Mr Tenebe and others like him understand that the ballot belongs to the voter and the Constitution grants him the freedom to choose between candidates and parties without fear of intimidation or retaliation. Any political conduct that seeks to diminish this freedom contradicts the most basic of democratic principles.

If the APC believes its record, policies, and presidential candidate deserve the support of Edo voters, it should present that argument to voters in the most persuasive manner, not with threats of fire and brimstone.

Although political figures sometimes use exaggeration, metaphor and provocative expressions to energise their supporters, references to firearms in the context of electoral competition demand particular caution. Such language can be interpreted as a threat by those who feel targeted, regardless of the speaker’s subsequent explanation.

Tenebe’s reported attempt at clarification – that he used the expression figuratively, is a hard sell when juxtaposed with another viral video of him warning the presidential candidates of the ADC and the NDC, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, not to step foot in the state unless they obtained the permission of the state governor – another reckless and unlawful statement that has the capacity to incite violence against the two presidential candidates and their supporters

We urge politicians, government officials, candidates and party supporters to refrain from language that threatens opponents or encourages violence. It has no place in a democracy.

Already, such kind of rhetoric is having a negative effect on voters. A recent survey by Yiaga Africa, an election advocacy civil society organisation,  showed that 84 per cent of the electorate among the respondents, are keen to vote in the 2027 election, but 61 percent of the them are concerned about their safety due to the fear of election violence.

Based on this emerging perspective, we align with the call by Amnesty International, other human rights organisations, and individuals urging the Directorate of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Police Force to arrest, interrogate, and prosecute Tenebe and others like him who are making statements capable of causing a breach of public peace.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties and other relevant institutions must equally reinforce the message that elections are contests of ideas and popular choice, not opportunities to intimidate citizens. Political parties should discipline members whose conduct violates their rules or undermines peaceful electoral participation, while party leaders at every level must publicly reject and denounce violence.

At this time, Nigeria needs campaigns that address insecurity, unemployment, poverty, economic hardship, education, healthcare and other pressing national challenges. Voters deserve substantive debate about these issues, not threats that distract from the responsibility of political leaders to offer solutions.

We wish to reiterate that the 2027 elections must be decided by the free choices of Nigerian voters, expressed through their ballots and faithfully counted under the law. No party’s target, no candidate’s ambition and no politician’s declaration can override that fundamental principle. In a democracy, votes must be courted, earned, and counted—not commanded by intimidation and threats of violence.