Nigeria’s approach to the 2027 general elections is being accompanied by growing concerns over threatening and inflammatory political rhetoric, with recent incidents involving elected officials and political actors raising questions about intimidation, democratic freedoms and the safety of voters.

Politics is not supposed to be a do-or-die affair, and political opponents are not enemies of the state. Citizens who support different parties should be able to participate in the electoral process without fear, intimidation or coercion.

The concern has become more pronounced following a series of controversial statements in different parts of the country. In Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Chairman Danjuma Shekwolo was captured in a widely circulated video telling residents to support the All Progressives Congress or leave the area. The remarks attracted condemnation from civil society organisations and the National Human Rights Commission, which called for investigation and protective measures for residents. Shekwolo later said his comments had been taken out of context.

The controversy has heightened concerns about whether political rhetoric is being used to intimidate citizens and discourage opposition activity ahead of the 2027 polls. The Electoral Act contains provisions against threats and intimidation intended to influence voters, making such statements more than an ordinary political disagreement.

The situation in Ebonyi has generated another major concern. Governor Francis Nwifuru, while inaugurating newly elected local government chairmen, warned that any chairman whose council failed to deliver victory for the APC in 2027 would be removed. He also said councillors could be used to remove such chairmen.

The governor’s remarks were followed by controversial comments from the newly inaugurated chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Paul Ituma, who reportedly warned opposition politicians to stay away from the council area unless they aligned with the APC and the governor.

These developments raise questions about the relationship between political loyalty and the independence of local government officials, particularly where elected office holders are expected to serve citizens regardless of their political affiliations.

The political temperature has also been evident in Osun State. Ahead of the 2026 governorship election, Senator Francis Fadahunsi was reported to have used the word “kill” while addressing supporters at a campaign rally. His media team subsequently said he was referring to defeating the opposition through votes, rather than physical violence, and the senator was later invited by the police for questioning.

Religious rhetoric has also entered the political conversation. Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir recently reiterated his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket at a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples. His remarks generated criticism, with concerns raised about the use of religious identity in political mobilisation.

Another prominent political figure under scrutiny is Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who has remained an outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Wike has previously pledged to deliver Rivers State and the FCT to Tinubu and recently said that if Tinubu lost the election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi would “come for my head”.

Such language illustrates the increasingly personal nature of political competition ahead of 2027. Politicians are entitled to campaign for candidates and mobilise supporters, but electoral outcomes ultimately depend on voters exercising their constitutional rights.

The media therefore has an important responsibility to report political statements accurately, provide context and scrutinise claims that could contribute to tension. Threats should not be treated simply as sensational campaign material, particularly when they involve public officials or influential political actors.

Security agencies also have a responsibility to respond impartially to credible threats and alleged breaches of electoral law, regardless of the political status of those involved. The Nigeria Police Force has already begun investigating controversial remarks involving several political actors, while the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar has activated mechanisms to monitor political developments and possible breaches ahead of the 2027 elections.

Civil society organisations can equally play an important role by documenting political intimidation, hate speech, vote buying and election-related violence, while educating citizens about their rights and providing channels for reporting threats.

The Independent National Electoral Commission must also continue strengthening public confidence in the electoral process by ensuring that voters can participate without intimidation and that election procedures are transparent and credible.

Economic hardship and insecurity remain additional challenges. Citizens facing poverty and unemployment can be particularly vulnerable to vote buying, while fear of violence can discourage people from attending political gatherings or polling units.

The 2027 election will therefore require more than political campaigns. It will require political actors to respect citizens’ rights, institutions to enforce the law impartially and voters to remain free to make their choices without threats or coercion.

No politician owns a state, local government, community or its people. Political parties may compete for votes, but the authority to determine electoral outcomes rests with the electorate.

The central democratic principle should remain clear: Nigerians should be able to choose their leaders freely, peacefully and without intimidation.