APC Statements Raise Concerns of Voter Intimidation Ahead of 2027 Elections

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, statements from senior members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have sparked concerns regarding voter intimidation and electoral violence. Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, faced backlash for allegedly instructing supporters to "kill" members of the Accord Party, later clarifying that he meant defeating them through votes.

In the Federal Capital Territory, an aide to the Kuje Area Council chairman warned residents against voting for opposition candidates. Borno State's Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, was criticized for threatening punitive actions against those not supporting the APC, including violent remarks about cutting off fingers.

Yobe State APC Chairman Muhammad Gadaka suggested women should leave husbands who prevent them from voting for the party, later retracting the statement as a joke. Concerns about political violence were also noted during an APC rally in Kano, where armed thugs were reported.

Lawyer Ibrahim Kiyawa emphasized the constitutional protections against such intimidation.