IT IS under the APC government that an individual or group of miscreants will have the audacity to come out and threaten Nigerians not to come out to vote except if they are ready to vote for APC.
Ballot boxes have been stolen or snatched in the past, votes have been bought before, accusations of bias have been made against electoral umpire and its chairman, police and armed forces have been used to maintain hold on power and even win elections, INEC server had suffered technical glitches at critical moments before and the judiciary had also used legal calisthenics to direct victory in the direction of the highest bidder, but we have never had it so low that a thug will have the courage to tell citizens not to come out to vote.
Democracy thrives on freedom of choice. In 2027, Nigerians will vote for APC or opposition parties without coercion. Blackmail and intimidation have no place in democratic discourse. Forcefully excluding an ethnic group from voting is a grave electoral crime with far-reaching consequences. It’s a blatant attempt to undermine democracy, potentially sparking violence.
Fear and tension are already etched in the political landscape of Lagos following controversial remarks by Mustapha Adekunle, aka Sego, the NURTW Lagos chairman, who was captured on camera threatening to punish anyone voting against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. The threat has sparked widespread outrage. Although he has claimed his comments were misinterpreted, stating they were meant for union members and not intended to intimidate voters, but that explanation has not been enough to douse the tension initially created.
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In 2023, MC Oluomo, then NURTW Lagos chairman, sparked controversy by threatening voters at his polling booth, urging them to vote for APC or face consequences. Despite his efforts, APC suffered a resounding defeat in that polling booth and Lagos as a whole. Following the defeat, Oluomo reportedly warned Igbo residents to stay away from the polls in the governorship election. Such actions raise concerns about voter intimidation and the rule of law. When individuals take it upon themselves to enforce their own rules, it undermines democracy and invites chaos.
Intimidation has reached alarming levels; ordinary citizens can now come out and threaten fellow citizens not to come out and vote or face dire consequences. If this is the way the self-acclaimed progressives behave, may we never be unfortunate to encounter them again in Nigeria. This is unimaginable and hard to believe that people who once criticised every government in the past and seem to possess solutions to every challenge in the country, have already become worse than what we have seen in the past.
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Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesman, has faced criticism for alleged ethnic bias, particularly against the Igbo people. In 2023, he reportedly warned the Igbo community to refrain from interfering in Lagos politics, sparking outrage. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, prominent Igbo organisation, condemned Onanuga’s remarks, urging him to focus on addressing Nigeria’s challenges rather than spreading hate.
Lawlessness won’t be tolerated in Lagos. Our laws apply everywhere, not just when and where it is convenient. No organised state can permit the impunity of outlaws in a lawful state. Threats from Sego, MC Oluomo, Onanuga, or anyone, is outrageous and cannot be tolerated. Nigerians are watching how security agencies are handling these threats. APC can’t dictate votes in Lagos and expect support elsewhere. Either APC stands for democracy or mob rule.
Threats and intimidation tactics aimed at influencing voters won’t fly. If the president condones this, it’s alarming; if not, he should speak out. Security agencies should not gloss over the threats. If president Tinubu’s supporters use violence to stop any group from campaigning or voting freely in Lagos, then they would bear the responsibility for any harm done to our democracy.
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The police invitation to MC Oluomo in 2023 after his threat seemed like a mere formality, with many questioning whether he was actually held accountable. Similarly, the SSS invitation to Sego following his recent threat appears to be a ritual. Given the lack of tangible action, it’s unlikely to deter thugs from carrying out violent acts in 2027, just as it didn’t in 2023.
Democracy thrives on freedom of choice. In 2027, Nigerians will vote for APC or opposition parties without coercion. Blackmail and intimidation have no place in democratic discourse. Forcefully excluding an ethnic group from voting is a grave electoral crime with far-reaching consequences. It’s a blatant attempt to undermine democracy, potentially sparking violence.
The responsibility lies with President Tinubu to ensure fair elections. History will judge his actions.
Comrade Amechi is a trade union activist based on Lagos.
