2027: Political intimidation threatens Nigeria’s democracy – Lawyer

A constitutional lawyer and public affairs analyst, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has warned that political intimidation and assaults on opposition figures pose a menace to Nigeria’s democracy forward of the 2027 basic elections.

Ahiakwo mentioned democracy would lose its which means if residents grew to become afraid to precise dissenting opinions, help opposition events or maintain political workplace holders accountable.

He mentioned political opposition shouldn’t be considered disloyalty, whereas criticism of presidency shouldn’t appeal to threats, harassment or violence.

The lawyer, in an interplay with journalists in Calabar on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, mentioned using threats, violence or abuse of public authority to silence opposing voices went past political rivalry and amounted to an assault on constitutional democracy.

He cited Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which assure freedom of expression and peaceable meeting and affiliation, together with the suitable to belong to political events.

He additionally referenced Sections 33, 34 and 42, which shield the rights to life, human dignity and freedom from discrimination, together with on grounds of political opinion.

Ahiakwo maintained that these constitutional ensures weren’t privileges to be granted or withdrawn by political leaders, insisting that no authorities or political organisation had the suitable to undermine them due to a citizen’s political affiliation.

He additional cited the Court of Appeal judgment in Inspector-General of Police v. All Nigeria Peoples Party & Ors. (2007), which upheld the suitable to peaceable political meeting and rejected arbitrary restrictions on political rallies.

Expressing concern over latest political developments in Cross River and Kebbi States, he mentioned allegations of intimidation and assaults on political actors required neutral investigation.

According to him, political coalitions and realignments are reliable democratic actions, however should not be changed into devices for suppressing dissent.

He added that allegations of anti-party actions needs to be dealt with by way of established social gathering procedures relatively than intimidation or coercion.

Ahiakwo warned that normalising political intimidation might deepen insecurity, widen social divisions and erode public confidence in democratic establishments.

He urged safety businesses to stay neutral because the 2027 elections method, whereas calling on political leaders to train restraint and be sure that politically motivated violence was investigated and perpetrators held accountable, regardless of their political affiliations.

He additionally urged opposition events to conduct their actions peacefully and inside the regulation.

The lawyer mentioned Nigeria should not turn out to be a rustic the place residents had been free to vote however afraid to precise their political convictions, stressing that the Constitution should stay superior to the pursuits of these quickly wielding political energy.