Concerns over the growing threat of political violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections have sparked intense reactions among members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), with the Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, warning that the country could face particularly challenging months in January and February 2027.
The concerns followed the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing a woman brandishing a cutlass in the aftermath of an alleged attack on members of the Nigerian Democratic Convention (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Lagos.
The alleged attack, reportedly involving suspected thugs believed to be supporters of a rival political party, has heightened fears that political disagreements could degenerate into violent confrontations as the country approaches another crucial election cycle.
Reacting to the footage on the Forum’s WhatsApp platform, Enebeli expressed apprehension over the unfolding political atmosphere, warning that the coming months could test the country’s democratic stability.
“We are in for tough rides come January and February 2027,” the DOPF Chairman wrote.
His observation triggered an extensive exchange among members of the professional media association, with contributors expressing concerns about political intolerance, the conduct of political actors, the responsibilities of security agencies and the need to safeguard citizens’ democratic rights.
The Vice Chairman of the Forum, Chukwudi Abiandu, expressed concern that the reported incident could trigger a wider crisis if not properly addressed.
“Unfortunately, I hope it does not degenerate,” he cautioned.
Another member, Wilbert Ijeoma, offered his interpretation of what he perceived as a changing attitude among supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, drawing a comparison with the political movement associated with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“Obidients now have some touch of Kwankwassiya madness,” Ijeoma remarked.
Celestine Ukah also suggested that the country could be heading towards a period of heightened political confrontation, arguing that abnormal circumstances could provoke equally unusual responses.
“Abnormal situation gets abnormal situation too oooo as it looms oooo,” he wrote, later insisting that the situation was already generating tension.
The Forum’s Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, expressed the view that opposition supporters might increasingly become unwilling to remain passive in the face of political intimidation.
“It takes madness to cure madness! NDC members are fully prepared for APC thugs, sadly, NDC now has more deadly thugs than APC,” Onitsha stated.
His remarks reflected his personal assessment of the situation, although no independently verified evidence was presented during the discussion to establish the identities of those responsible for the alleged attack or substantiate the comparative claims.
In a more extensive contribution, Austin Azuh criticised what he described as the reluctance of political leaders to condemn attacks against opposition supporters, warning that silence could encourage further acts of intimidation and violence.
“This period nor be for English ooo!” Azuh declared.
He argued that the failure of influential political figures to speak decisively against political violence could create an atmosphere in which harassment, assaults and other forms of intimidation are perceived to be tolerated.
“The political leaders who ought to condemn these acts have, by their silence and actions, created an atmosphere where invasion, intimidation, harassment, assaults and even the killing of opposition supporters and members appear to be tolerated or endorsed,” he stated.
Azuh called for a more decisive response from the Federal Government, particularly through the investigation and prosecution of individuals found culpable in politically motivated attacks.
He warned that the growing tension could have far-reaching consequences for younger Nigerians, stressing that the country’s democratic future would be endangered if citizens became indifferent to threats against political freedom and peaceful participation.
“This is not the democracy we fought for, nor the country we envisioned. I am deeply worried and emotional about the future of my generation, especially those who seem unconcerned about the dangers threatening the very democracy that should protect their future,” he said.
Recalling a position frequently emphasised by former President Goodluck Jonathan, Azuh maintained that no electoral ambition should be allowed to supersede the sanctity of human life.
“As President Goodluck Jonathan would always remind us, no election is worth the blood of any Nigerian. Political ambition must never be placed above human life, peace and the sanctity of our democracy,” he added.
The debate also extended to the performance of security agencies, with Abiandu expressing dissatisfaction with what he described as the attitude of the Delta State Police Command towards unfolding political developments.
He alleged that the command’s response to emerging concerns had fallen short of public expectations, describing its conduct as disappointing.
However, his comments represented his personal assessment and did not establish any involvement of the police in the alleged attack. No official response from the Delta State Police Command was contained in the discussion.
Amid the expressions of frustration and uncertainty, Azuh posed a question that captured the prevailing anxiety among contributors: “Who will help us?”
Responding, Abiandu turned to biblical assurances, expressing confidence in divine intervention and the ultimate triumph of justice over oppression.
He cited Psalm 37:33, which speaks of God’s protection of the righteous, as well as Job 8:20, which underscores divine faithfulness to people of integrity.
Drawing a historical parallel with the military dictatorship of the late General Sani Abacha, Abiandu recalled the period of political repression and uncertainty under military rule.
“There was a time in this country when one Sani Abacha held the nation by the jugular. But somehow, the God who rules in the affairs of man stepped in, and death defied all the security equipment in Aso Rock and took Abacha away,” he said.
He maintained that no political leader, irrespective of power, influence or security arrangements, was beyond divine authority.
“The lesson for me is that God has not yet created the man or woman that He cannot handle. He is our help,” Abiandu added.
The conversation took another dimension when the Forum’s Treasurer, Joe Ogbodu, shared a separate video circulating online, purportedly showing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, being confronted by Nigerians during a visit to Chatham House in London.
The footage, which circulated alongside claims that the electoral chief had been disgraced, reportedly showed some Nigerians demanding answers over developments in their home country.
A voice accompanying the video claimed that aggrieved Nigerian youths had challenged the INEC Chairman to address their concerns.
“The INEC chairman of Nigeria is in England. The angry youth of Nigeria stopped him that he should come out and tell them what is happening in Nigeria. He must come down to address them,” the voice claimed.
The recording also featured the declaration, “A new Nigeria is possible. This is just testing the microphone.”
Although the circumstances surrounding the footage were not independently established in the Forum’s discussion, its circulation introduced another dimension to the debate, particularly concerns about public confidence in INEC and expectations of transparency and accountability ahead of the 2027 elections.
The exchanges among DOPF members underscore growing apprehension within sections of the media community over the country’s political environment and the possibility that confrontations between rival political supporters could undermine peaceful democratic participation.
While members expressed differing opinions on the reported incidents and the appropriate response, a common concern emerged over the need for political parties, government authorities, security agencies and electoral institutions to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
The debate also highlighted the distinction between legitimate political resistance, peaceful protest and the resort to violence, stressing that opposition to intimidation must not become a justification for further bloodshed.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the responsibility rests on political leaders to discourage inflammatory rhetoric, security agencies to remain impartial and professional, and electoral institutions to strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
Whether the fears expressed by Enebeli will materialise remains to be seen. However, the warning from the DOPF Chairman and the reactions it generated reflect a growing concern that Nigeria must confront political intolerance and the threat of electoral violence before they escalate into a wider national crisis.
For the Forum, the message is clear: no political ambition is worth the life of a Nigerian, and no election should be allowed to become a licence for violence.**
