Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Amnesty International has issued a stark and unequivocal warning to Nigeria's political class, declaring that it is closely monitoring and documenting reckless, inciting, and divisive remarks by politicians and their associates as the country's 2027 election season gathers momentum. The global human rights organisation warned that politicians who use campaigns to undermine freedom, peace, and democratic participation could be held accountable under international law. Amnesty's concerns come amid a series of controversial and inflammatory statements from various political figures, raising fears that the country could be headed for a repeat of the electoral violence that has marred previous elections.
In a statement that sent shockwaves through political circles, Amnesty International Nigeria's Country Director, Isa Sanusi, announced that the organisation would intensify its campaign against politicians accused of making inflammatory statements capable of triggering electoral violence. The organisation singled out Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, as a key case study in its campaign, following a viral video in which he was allegedly heard urging his supporters to "kill" members of the Accord Party ahead of the Osun State governorship election. Although the senator has denied the allegation, claiming his remarks were taken out of context and that his reference to "killing" the Accord Party was a political metaphor for defeating the party at the polls, Amnesty International has refused to back down. "We are going to use him as an example because this is the first time," Sanusi declared during a television interview, arguing that an alleged directive to "kill them wherever you find them" was unacceptable political rhetoric and a violation of both Nigerian and international law.
Sanusi further disclosed that Amnesty International would extend its campaign beyond Nigeria, using its international network to expose politicians it believes promote electoral violence. "We will do an international name-and-shame of those advocating for electoral violence," he said, adding that the organisation would alert governments across its 150 country branches to what he described as the dangers posed by these individuals. The threat of a global name-and-shame campaign marks a significant escalation in the pressure on Nigeria's political class, signaling that inflammatory rhetoric could have consequences beyond the country's borders.
The organisation has also condemned the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over a statement in which he threatened to force residents out of the council if they refused to vote for the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections. In a video that went viral, Shekwolo was heard saying, "It's either you are doing APC or you leave the area council." Although he later claimed he was misquoted, Amnesty International described such statements as dangerous incitement that could lead to violence if left unchecked. The organisation expressed concern over what it described as a climate of fear among residents of the area council, noting that Shekwolo's alleged attempt to make voting for the APC a condition for residents to live peacefully and exercise their civic rights was unlawful. "Residents of Kuje Area Council FCT will continue to live in fear as no effort has been made by security agencies to hold the council chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo to account," Amnesty said.
In Ebonyi State, Amnesty flagged remarks by Eze Paul Ituma, Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, who was heard in a video declaring, "Anyone who tries to do so will be declared persona non grata," and adding, "Anyone who wants to put sand in my garri (not vote for APC) should not come close to Ohaukwu." Amnesty condemned these remarks, describing them as dangerous and indicative of a growing desperation to suppress political opposition and undermine democratic rights. The organisation has called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the Ebonyi chairman's threatening remarks and pursue appropriate legal action if necessary.
Another controversy erupted in Yobe State, where APC State Chairman Alhaji Muhammadu Gadaka reportedly told women that if their husbands disallowed them from voting for the APC, they should divorce them. Gadaka claimed he would provide financial support for dowry payments if women chose to leave their marriages over voting issues. The statement drew widespread criticism, prompting Gadaka to issue an apology and retract his comments. Despite the apology, Amnesty International has warned that such statements could incite social unrest and violence if left unchecked.
The organisation has also expressed concern over the alleged failure of security agencies to hold political figures accountable for their remarks. Amnesty International Nigeria criticised what it described as the failure of security agencies to hold Shekwolo to account, noting that residents of Kuje Area Council "will continue to live in fear." The organisation called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that politicians and other leaders who carry out, incite, or threaten politically, religiously, or ethnically motivated violence or other human rights abuses are held accountable. "Ahead of 2027 elections and beyond, it is essential that the Nigerian authorities ensure that any politician or other leaders, of any political party or grouping, responsible for carrying out or inciting or threatening politically, religiously or ethnically-motivated violence or human rights abuses must be held to account," Amnesty said.
The organisation has urged the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to safeguard political parties, candidates, supporters, and voters from intimidation and violence, asserting that every Nigerian must have the freedom to support and vote for their preferred candidates without fear. Amnesty underscored that early intervention is crucial to prevent political rhetoric from escalating into violence, stressing that authorities must protect democratic rights and maintain peace during this critical election period. As the 2027 elections approach, the organisation's warning serves as a powerful reminder that the international community is watching, and that those who seek to undermine Nigeria's democracy through intimidation, threats, and violence will be held accountable, no matter who they are.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments