The increasing cases of violent attacks on political party supporters, campaigners and members of different political groups across various states in Nigeria have become a serious cause for concern ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Reports of violent youths disrupting political activities, destroying campaign posters and attacking political party members and supporters are worrying developments that require urgent attention. If these dangerous activities are not addressed immediately, the country may witness increased political tension, bloodshed, loss of lives and destruction of property before, during and after the 2027 General Elections.
In response to these developments, Comrade Bibi Oduku, Chairman of Guard Time information (GTI), Human Rights Activists Nationwide, has called on security agencies, relevant federal government institutions, state governments, legal and human rights organizations, traditional rulers, community leaders and youth leaders across the country to join hands in addressing political violence and promoting peaceful political participation.
Comrade Bibi particularly appealed to youths and political supporters to desist from destroying campaign posters, attacking political opponents, disrupting political gatherings and engaging in acts of political thuggery.
He warned that such behaviour threatens democratic values, undermines public confidence and creates unnecessary fear and panic among innocent citizens, particularly those who remember the unfortunate political violence experienced in previous years.
Honourable Edegbe Sunday emphasized the important roles political leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders must play in discouraging violence among their followers and members of their respective communities.
He urged political, traditional and religious leaders to use their positions of influence to educate their followers about the dangers of political violence and encourage them to embrace peaceful political engagement.
He stressed that political violence does not bring progress or meaningful development but rather results in the destruction of lives and property, community instability, hostility between political parties and unnecessary tension among citizens.
Honourable Atafo Oise Gold appealed to all Nigerians not to allow political differences to destroy the peace and unity of their communities. According to him, political contestants and their supporters must embrace democratic principles, peaceful campaigns and lawful electoral processes rather than resorting to violence.
Barrister Musa Bala stated that Guard Time Information is fully prepared to pursue appropriate legal action against individuals involved in electoral violence, political thuggery, intimidation, electoral manipulation and other electoral offences.
He advised political contestants, parents and guardians to communicate effectively with their children and wards, warning them against allowing themselves to be used by desperate politicians to perpetrate violence during electioneering activities.
Similarly, Barrister Muhammad Yakubu stated that the legal practitioners working with Guard Time Information across the country are adequately prepared to take up cases involving electoral violence, harassment, intimidation, corruption, electoral manipulation and other related electoral violations.
He explained that if Nigerians genuinely desire credible, peaceful and transparent elections, the fight against electoral violence must begin immediately rather than waiting until the election period.
Rev. Amb. Samuel Ikpea recalled the unfortunate number of lives lost to electoral violence in Nigeria and warned that the country must not continue to tolerate a culture of political violence that could eventually be embraced by younger generations as a normal part of political participation.
He encouraged citizens who witness or experience electoral violence, intimidation, manipulation or other electoral offences to report such incidents to the appropriate security agencies and human rights organizations. And also invited affected citizens to contact Guard Time Information through its official website: www.guardtimeinformation.com.ng.
The organization, he explained, remains committed to defending and protecting citizens’ rights, promoting democratic values, advocating justice and supporting peace, law and order throughout Nigeria.
Alhaji Ahmed Idi Barda Gubana highlighted the importance of cooperation among religious leaders, traditional rulers, political contestants and community leaders in promoting peaceful political participation among youths and their followers.
He urged political contestants to abandon violent intentions and attitudes and embrace peace, tolerance, respect for opposing views and lawful democratic strategies.
He maintained that political victory should be achieved through credible leadership, constructive engagement, intelligence, effective mobilization and public acceptance rather than bloodshed, intimidation or the destruction of lives and property.
He also called on heads of security agencies across the various regions and zones of the country to initiate joint peacebuilding and non-violence programmes, seminars and public awareness campaigns.
He proposed that such programmes should bring together political party leaders, electoral contestants, religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives and human rights organizations, including Guard Time Information and other credible human rights advocacy groups, to educate citizens on the dangers and consequences of electoral violence.
Hon. Dr. Uzuegbu Uchechi emphasized the importance of credible information, intelligence gathering and proper documentation of electoral activities.
He encouraged Nigerians to be prepared to provide verifiable facts and credible evidence of electoral malpractice, corruption, intimidation and other electoral violations whenever they occur.
He stressed that evidence must be properly documented and presented through lawful channels to enable the relevant authorities and courts to examine the facts and make impartial decisions in accordance with the law.
He further advised citizens to avoid spreading unverified allegations, fabricated information or misleading reports capable of creating unnecessary political tension and confusion.
Alhaji Mohammed Bababusa, Senior Patron of Guard Time Information, stated that putting effective security and safety measures in place before, during and after the general elections is essential to protecting citizens and safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
He called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns and clearly communicate that anyone found culpable of electoral violence, political thuggery, intimidation, electoral manipulation or other electoral offences will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
He also urged human rights advocates, journalists and legal practitioners to remain committed to defending the rights of oppressed and vulnerable citizens during and after the elections.
He emphasized that individuals found responsible for electoral offences must be properly investigated, prosecuted where evidence supports the allegations and made to face the appropriate legal consequences.
According to him, consistent law enforcement, effective security arrangements and public accountability are important measures towards reducing and ultimately eliminating electoral violence in Nigeria.
Hon. Abdullahi Idi Garba appealed to Nigerian citizens, particularly political, community and institutional leaders entrusted with the welfare and interests of the people, to promote peace, love, unity and mutual understanding across the country.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s progress depends on the collective responsibility of its citizens and leaders, irrespective of political affiliations, religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds.
He further reminded Nigerian leaders that the international community is closely observing the country’s democratic development and that the conduct of the 2027 General Elections will be important to Nigeria’s image and democratic reputation.
In his concluding remarks, Comrade Bibi Oduku reaffirmed the commitment of Guard Time Information, Human Rights Activists Nationwide, to continuing its advocacy against electoral violence, political thuggery, intimidation, corruption, oppression and unlawful attacks on citizens and their property.
He stated that the organization will continue to work with relevant government institutions, security agencies, legal practitioners, human rights organizations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders to promote peaceful political participation and protect the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
He further appealed to political parties, contestants, supporters and the general public to understand that political competition should never become a reason for citizens to attack, threaten or destroy one another.
The group maintains that no political ambition is worth the life of any Nigerian, and no electoral victory should be achieved at the expense of peace, human dignity and national security.
The organization therefore calls on all Nigerians to reject political violence, embrace peaceful campaigns, respect opposing political views and support credible, free, fair and peaceful elections in 2027. “Peaceful elections are a collective responsibility. let us protect lives, defend democracy and build a safer Nigeria”, he concluded.