Legal practitioners across Nigeria have expressed concern over alleged threats, intimidation and inflammatory statements emerging ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions could affect public confidence in the electoral process.
The lawyers spoke against the backdrop of reports of alleged threats by some political actors and public officials targeting individuals and groups perceived to support opposition parties.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kenneth C. Ahia, said citizens’ constitutional rights to dignity, freedom of association, movement and political participation must be protected during the election period.
According to him, actions capable of discouraging citizens from freely expressing their political choices could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
He called for proper investigation of reported incidents and urged political actors to focus on persuasion through policies and programmes rather than coercion.
Another SAN, Dayo Akinlaja, described alleged threats and intolerance in political activities as inconsistent with democratic principles, stressing that election campaigns should be driven by issues rather than intimidation.
“It is clear that threats have no legitimate place in a democratic culture,” he said, adding that political competition should be based on ideas and public debate.
Similarly, Abuja-based lawyer Nkereuwem Akpan said citizens have the constitutional right to support political parties and candidates of their choice, noting that any attempt to restrict such freedoms raises concerns about democratic participation.
He urged relevant authorities to ensure that political rights are protected and that electoral laws are enforced.
Chief Chukwuma Nwachukwu also called on political office holders and parties to respect the rule of law, stressing that no individual or group should infringe on citizens’ fundamental rights under the guise of political activities.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take steps to prevent actions that could threaten peaceful elections.
Lawyer Evans Ufeli said intimidation during elections could affect citizens’ willingness to participate freely in political activities.
He noted that electoral laws provide sanctions for conduct involving threats, coercion or violence intended to influence voters or prevent political participation.
Femi Aborisade, another legal practitioner, said the credibility of elections depends on citizens being able to make political choices without fear or pressure.
He urged public officials to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and avoid statements or actions that could restrict democratic participation.
Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Dr Eric Omare, also expressed concern over alleged threats by political actors, saying citizens should be allowed to support any party or candidate of their choice.
He called on security agencies to respond appropriately to statements capable of creating tension ahead of the elections.
However, some legal experts urged caution in interpreting political statements, noting that not every controversial remark automatically translates into unlawful conduct.
Dr Wunmi Bewaji, a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, described some statements by political actors as possible expressions of excessive enthusiasm, while calling for tolerance from all sides.
He stressed the need for political actors across parties to respect democratic values and avoid actions that could heighten tensions.
Election law experts also highlighted the importance of effective enforcement of electoral laws, arguing that credible elections require proper investigation, prosecution and punishment where violations are established.
They called on political parties, security agencies and citizens to work together to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in an atmosphere that allows voters to freely make their choices.
The lawyers maintained that political competition should be centred on policies, programmes and records rather than threats, intimidation or coercion.
