Political Intolerance Surges Ahead of Nigeria's 2027 Elections

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, a disturbing trend of rising political intolerance has emerged, particularly following the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) lifting of the ban on political campaigns. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's comment, "all is fair in politics," has set a dangerous tone.

Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) urged party members to "kill" members of the Accord party before the August 15 Osun governorship election. Other threats include Samuel Shekwolo, Chairman of Kuje Area Council, warning voters against opposing the APC, and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State threatening to dismiss council chairmen who do not support the APC.

In Borno, Commissioner Sinna Buba threatened to cut off fingers of non-APC voters, while Yobe APC chairman Muhammadu Gadaka encouraged women to leave husbands who oppose the party. The situation escalated with the blockade of Peter Obi's convoy on September 8 and the killing of political commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu in Kano on the same day.