•Demand probe, threaten perpetrators, warn public officials

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has raised the alarm over what it described as an escalating wave of political violence, intimidation and attacks on political candidates, their supporters and campaign activities across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Similarly, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) raised concerns over “a dangerous pattern of political violence in the South-South”, warning that the region could slide into renewed hostility if political leaders fail to rein in their supporters.

The warning followed violent incidents in Warri, Calabar and Asaba, with the November 7 Asaba tragedy claiming a life.

Meanwhile, Citizens’ Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) threatened legal action against perpetrators of electoral violence and public officials found to have participated in, financed or facilitated attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

CDD-West Africa warned that the growing incidents of violence could undermine democratic participation, intimidate opposition politicians and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the elections.

In a statement signed by its Director, Dr Dauda Garuba, the centre cited recent attacks involving the presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, as well as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Manir Daniya.

It also condemned the violent disruption of an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Nasarawa State, warning that political violence was becoming an increasingly disturbing feature of Nigeria’s political environment.

The centre said the incidents represented a dangerous escalation from threats and inflammatory rhetoric it had previously condemned, raising serious concerns about the safety of political actors and the integrity of the country’s democratic process.

It warned that such perceived differences in official reactions could fuel public suspicion of selective accountability, political tolerance of violence and unequal protection of citizens based on their political affiliations.

According to the organisation, government authorities have a responsibility to demonstrate their commitment to protecting democratic participation consistently, irrespective of whether those affected belong to the ruling party or opposition.

It further urged federal and state governments to publicly condemn political violence regardless of the political affiliations of victims or perpetrators.

“The legitimacy of the 2027 general elections will depend not only on the credibility of the voting and result-management processes but also on the extent to which Nigerians are able to participate freely, safely and without intimidation,” the organisation

PANDEF said the incidents were disturbing signs that political competition was taking a dangerous turn in a region whose stability is critical to peace and development in the Niger Delta.

In a statement yesterday, PANDEF National Chairman, Godknows Igali, condemned the attacks and called for immediate investigations into the circumstances surrounding the violence.

The forum specifically identified the Warri/Effurun incident of September 18, the violence in Calabar on November 4 and the deadly incident in Asaba on November 7.

Beyond condemning the attacks, PANDEF placed responsibility on political leaders to control the conduct of their followers, warning that inflammatory rhetoric, provocation and political intimidation could deepen tensions.

It argued that the South-South’s longstanding tradition of tolerance and peaceful coexistence must not be sacrificed for the ambitions of individual politicians.

The organisation also expressed concern over the growing vulnerability of young people to political manipulation, urging Niger Delta youths to reject attempts by political actors to recruit them as agents of violence, insisting that their future should not be traded for the selfish interests of politicians.

PANDEF called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to move beyond routine condemnations and conduct thorough investigations into the incidents.

It demanded the identification and arrest of those directly involved, as well as the alleged masterminds behind the violence.

ON its part, CASER said recent incidents in Ado-Ekiti, Calabar and Asaba, which reportedly left one person dead and many others injured, raised serious concerns about the safety of political candidates, supporters and ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its Executive Director, Frank Tietie, the organisation condemned the growing incidents of political intimidation and violence.

It warned that those responsible would be held accountable regardless of their political affiliation, influence or public office.

CASER said Nigerians must be free to attend political rallies, support candidates and participate in political activities without risking their lives.

The organisation extended condolences to the family of the person reportedly killed in Asaba and expressed solidarity with those injured.

Tietie said CASER was documenting the incidents and would deploy appropriate national, regional and international mechanisms to pursue accountability. (The Guardian)