The race to 2027 has effectively begun. From Anambra to Osun, campaign councils are being inaugurated, posters are going up, and politicians are criss-crossing local governments. But what should be a contest of ideas is, unfortunately, already showing signs of the old disease that has plagued our democracy – violence, thuggery, hate speech, and the weaponization of poverty.
Nigeria cannot afford another blood-stained campaign.
In every election cycle since 1999, the story has been familiar. Young men hired for a few thousand Naira to snatch ballot boxes. Opponents’ billboards torn down at night. Campaign convoys attacked. Women and youths intimidated out of rallies. And after the votes are counted, we count bodies as well. The bloody incident in Enugu State is still fresh. The convoy of a candidate was attacked and they fought back and one of the attackers was killed. Is this how we intend to go about the 2027 Campaign?
This must stop.
It must stop because violence kills democracy. A presidential campaign is supposed to be an interview for the most important job in the country. Nigerians deserve to hear how candidates will fix power, insecurity, inflation, and unemployment – not who can mobilize more thugs. When violence enters, ideas exit. Voters stay home out of fear, and the worst candidates win.
Also, violence must stop because the stakes are too high. Nigeria is already battling terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, separatist tensions in the South-East, and kidnapping across the South-West. We do not need political violence added to an already fragile security situation. A violent campaign in 2026 will become a violent election in 2027 and a violent governance thereafter.
It doesn’t get any better because the youth are watching. Over 60% of voters are under 35. If we teach them that politics is war, where insults and fists replace debates and manifestos, we are breeding the next generation of political warlords, not leaders.
There is thus, every need to take measures that can stop the drift to lawlessness. First is to have the political parties and their candidates sign and respect the Peace Accord. They should call their supporters to order, both in public and in private. They should disown any supporter who engages in violence, even if it benefits them. They should compete on their track records and blueprints.
Very importantly, the parties must stop the do-or-die primaries. The language of spokesmen matters. If you label your opponent as an enemy to be crushed rather than a fellow citizen with a different idea, your followers will act accordingly.
What about the electoral umpire and security agencies? Early warning is everything. The Police, DSS, and Civil Defence must not be seen as an arm of the ruling party. They must remain neutral and prosecute electoral offenders swiftly. One public prosecution will deter a hundred thugs.
As for traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media, they should not give their platforms to merchants of hate. The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, BON, and Guild of Editors must sanction stations that air inciting content. Traditional and religious leaders must preach peace in mosques, churches, and palaces.
What about the masses? They should refuse to be used. No politician’s ambition is worth your blood. Collect money if they offer, but do not collect their cutlass. Vote your conscience, not your fear.
The world is watching Nigeria. We are Africa’s largest democracy. If we get 2027 right, it will signal to the continent that democracy can work peacefully even under economic pressure. If we get it wrong, we confirm the worst stereotype.
The President we need in 2027 should emerge from a campaign that is vigorous but peaceful, competitive but respectful, loud but not bloody.
Let the ideas fight. Let the people decide. Let the violence stop.
That is how Nigeria wins.
