By Babafemi Ojudu
The signs surrounding the coming campaigns and elections are deeply troubling. We must take seriously the danger that political hostility could degenerate into widespread violence. Political leaders, security agencies and all patriotic Nigerians must act now. Waiting until lives are lost and communities are engulfed in reprisals would be a tragic failure of leadership.
Our history offers a sobering warning. The electoral violence of 1964 and 1965 helped create the conditions in which the First Republic collapsed in January 1966. What followed were coups, assassinations, mass killings and, eventually, a devastating civil war. The disputed elections and violence of 1983 similarly helped undermine the Second Republic, providing the military with a pretext to seize power. Nigerians paid dearly in lost freedoms, shattered institutions and years of authoritarian rule.
These tragedies had several causes, but one lesson is unmistakable: when political competition becomes warfare, the consequences can overwhelm both those who instigate the violence and those who believe themselves protected from it.
Every political leader must take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters. Condemning violence by opponents while excusing it within one’s own camp is complicity. Security agencies must protect citizens impartially and bring perpetrators to justice, regardless of party affiliation or powerful sponsors. Electoral institutions must earn public confidence through fairness, transparency and respect for the voter’s choice.
Our young people must also refuse to become weapons in the hands of politicians. No ambition deserves their blood, and no political disagreement justifies the destruction of a neighbour’s life or livelihood.
An election should determine who governs for a term. It should never become a struggle over who has the right to live, speak or belong.
It is not too late to quench this fire. But we must act before the sparks become an inferno. Nigeria has suffered too much for another generation of leaders to plead that they did not see the danger coming.
- POLITICAL TENSION IN KATSINA AS APC CAMPAIGN VEHICLE IS SET ABLAZE DURING GOVERNOR RADDA’S TOUR
An APC-branded campaign vehicle was reportedly set ablaze in Yankara, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, during Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s campaign tour on Saturday.
The incident allegedly occurred when some residents attacked the governor’s convoy and set fire to a vehicle displaying photographs of APC candidates.
The development reportedly disrupted campaign activities and raised fresh concerns over political tension and security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident comes just three days after a similar attack was reportedly recorded in Malumfashi LGA.
However, the immediate cause of the attack, identities of those involved and possible arrests remain unclear.
Political campaigns under attack? Katsina faces fresh security concerns ahead of 2027.
