THE ROAD to 2027 could be violent if the resurgence of armed and machete-wielding hoodlums isn’t checked. When Gbadebo Rhodes Vivor planned to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos, unidentified thugs attacked the event, causing chaos and injuring several people. Despite the incident, there’ve been no consequences, raising concerns about accountability.
The attack hit Benin, Edo State capital, again, at the official defection ceremony of Mr Olumide Akpata, former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, as he switched to ADC. Similar attacks on opposition have happened in Kaduna and elsewhere. Each time, the assailants are called “unknown hoodlums”. However, one certainty is that these hoodlums have never targeted APC and Tinubu’s solidarity processions.
What Nigerians don’t get is why APC, with 31 governors, the presidency, ministers, national assembly majority, and state control, fears 2027 elections. Logically, APC should be Africa’s biggest party and confident in a level playing field, knowing democracy’s a number’s game. Unless what’s on show is just a façade.
This government shouldn’t confirm the notion that it’s hostile to the opposition. Both APC and opposition parties should pursue their ambitions decently and with restraint. To ensure Nigeria’s stability post-2027 elections, we all must commit to a peaceful election process.
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We’re already grappling with insecurity, and our leaders’ incompetence hasn’t helped. Our security is overstretched, relying on external support. If we add avoidable political wars due to greed and disregard for Nigeria, our case can only be imagined.
Good leaders don’t praise themselves – their acts speak for them. They don’t need praise singers or lobbyists; beneficiaries of their good governance do the talking. Actions define who you are. Remember when Goodluck Jonathan gave Buhari a bulletproof Toyota jeep after his car was attacked in Kaduna? That was leadership.
As at then, Bahari was in opposition.
The president, as chief security officer and father of the nation, should rise above party politics. Attacks on Peter Obi, Odigie Oyegun, Prof. Osunbor, Olumide Akpata, and others demand presidential action.
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It’s striking that President Tinubu’s been silent since the Edo State attack, while state governors rushed to blame internal party feuds without investigation.
Attacking opposition is attacking Nigeria’s nascent democracy and freedom of association. Lately, reckless rhetoric from supposed ruling party supporters has been fuelling trouble. Democracy thrives on free choice – respecting others’ choices is key. We can’t all be APC, ADC, or LP members – diversity is the vibe. Weaponised words often precede violent actions. Benin’s incident didn’t happen in a vacuum. Nigeria can’t afford politics by violence.
Utterances like Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpehbolo’s, warning Peter Obi to seek permission before entering Edo State, shouldn’t come from someone of his stature. Same with Wike’s “vote and leave the rest to me”. Democracy suffers from such actions. Politicians shouldn’t make us regret democracy’s arrival.
A supporter of APC, Ekitiprincess, recently threatened Igbos over 2027 Lagos politics. Another, Engr. Tom Steve from Rivers, said after the Benin attack on Peter Obi and ADC chieftains, “We warned Obi… Thank his stars he survived”. Security agencies shouldn’t overlook these subtle threats. A stitch in time saves nine – these people should be interrogated. If opposition supporters made similar statements, they’d be answering for it by now.
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The growing culture of political intolerance is detestable. Politicians shouldn’t fuel division and set the country ablaze.
The 2023 Lagos incidents shouldn’t recur anywhere. Politicians from all parties should campaign freely in their constituencies, and voters should vote without hindrance. Let’s ensure 2027 elections are violence-free, with no voter apathy or electoral infractions. Detestable, diabolical practices won’t be tolerated.
What Nigerians don’t get is why APC, with 31 governors, the presidency, ministers, national assembly majority, and state control, fears 2027 elections. Logically, APC should be Africa’s biggest party and confident in a level playing field, knowing democracy’s a number’s game. Unless what’s on show is just a façade.
