Human rights organisation threatens legal action against political thugs, perpetrators of electoral offences
GUARD TIME INFORMATION (GTI), a nationwide human rights advocacy organisation, has called on political parties, contestants, supporters and relevant government institutions to take urgent measures against political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation expressed concern over reported cases of attacks on political party supporters, campaigners and members of rival political groups across different states, warning that the growing incidents could heighten political tension, threaten public safety and undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
Chairman of GTI, Comrade Bibi Oduku, made the call while addressing concerns surrounding the destruction of campaign posters, disruption of political gatherings, attacks on political opponents and other activities associated with political thuggery.
Oduku urged security agencies, federal and state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives, youth organisations and human rights groups to collaborate in preventing electoral violence and promoting peaceful political participation.
He particularly appealed to Nigerian youths to resist attempts by desperate politicians to use them as instruments of violence, intimidation and destruction during political campaigns.
According to him, political disagreements should not degenerate into physical confrontations, attacks on opponents or the destruction of public and private property.
He warned that failure to address the situation early could expose communities to unnecessary violence, loss of lives and destruction of property before, during and after the 2027 elections.
Other prominent members and representatives of the organisation also emphasised the responsibilities of political, traditional and religious leaders in promoting peaceful political engagement.
Honourable Edegbe Sunday stressed the need for influential leaders to educate their followers on the dangers of political violence, while Honourable Atafo Oise Gold urged Nigerians not to allow political differences to destroy the peace, unity and social cohesion of their communities.
He maintained that political victory should be pursued through credible leadership, constructive engagement, effective mobilisation and public acceptance rather than intimidation, bloodshed or attacks on opponents.
GTI Threatens Legal Action
In a strong warning to perpetrators of electoral violence, Barrister Musa Bala declared that GTI was prepared to pursue appropriate legal action against individuals involved in political thuggery, intimidation, electoral manipulation and other violations of electoral laws.
He called on political contestants, parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being recruited by politicians to perpetrate violence during electioneering activities.
Similarly, Barrister Muhammad Yakubu disclosed that legal practitioners working with the organisation across the country were prepared to handle cases involving electoral violence, harassment, intimidation, corruption and other electoral violations.
He maintained that the pursuit of credible, peaceful and transparent elections must begin long before the actual election period.
Rev. Amb. Samuel Ikpea recalled the unfortunate loss of lives associated with electoral violence in Nigeria, warning against allowing younger generations to perceive political violence as a normal feature of democratic participation.
He encouraged citizens who experience or witness electoral intimidation, violence, manipulation and other electoral offences to report such incidents to appropriate security agencies and human rights organisations.
He also urged affected citizens to seek assistance through the organisation’s official website, www.guardtimeinformation.com.ng.
Calls for Stakeholder Collaboration
Alhaji Ahmed Idi Barda Gubana highlighted the importance of cooperation among religious leaders, traditional institutions, political contestants and community leaders in discouraging violence, particularly among youths.
He called on political contestants to embrace tolerance, mutual respect and lawful democratic strategies, insisting that political competition should be guided by issues, leadership capacity and public acceptance.
He also urged heads of security agencies across the country’s geopolitical zones to initiate joint peacebuilding programmes, non-violence seminars and public enlightenment campaigns.
According to him, such initiatives should bring together political party leaders, electoral contestants, religious and traditional rulers, youth representatives, human rights organisations and other critical stakeholders.
Hon. Dr. Uzuegbu Uchechi, on his part, emphasised the importance of credible information, intelligence gathering and proper documentation of electoral activities.
He encouraged citizens to provide verifiable facts and credible evidence whenever they witness electoral malpractice, corruption, intimidation or other violations.
He, however, cautioned against spreading unverified allegations, fabricated information and misleading reports capable of creating unnecessary political tension.
He stressed that documented evidence should be submitted through lawful channels to enable relevant authorities and courts to examine allegations and make appropriate decisions in accordance with the law.
GTI Seeks Stronger Election Security Measures
The Senior Patron of GTI, Alhaji Mohammed Bababusa, called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to strengthen security and safety arrangements before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
He advocated intensified public awareness campaigns and effective enforcement of electoral laws, stressing that individuals found culpable of electoral violence, intimidation, political thuggery and other electoral offences should face appropriate legal consequences.
Bababusa also called on human rights advocates, journalists and legal practitioners to remain committed to protecting vulnerable citizens and defending fundamental human rights throughout the electoral process.
He maintained that consistent law enforcement, effective security arrangements and public accountability were essential to reducing electoral violence.
Also speaking, Hon. Abdullahi Idi Garba appealed to political, community and institutional leaders to promote peace, unity, love and mutual understanding among Nigerians, irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic differences.
He observed that Nigeria’s democratic development and international reputation would be influenced, among other factors, by the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
No Political Ambition Is Worth Any Nigerian’s Life
In his concluding remarks, Oduku reaffirmed GTI’s commitment to advocating justice, protecting citizens’ rights and challenging political violence, oppression, intimidation, corruption and unlawful attacks on individuals and property.
He said the organisation would continue to collaborate with government institutions, security agencies, legal practitioners, human rights organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community representatives to promote peaceful political participation and defend democratic values.
He appealed to political parties, contestants and their supporters to recognise that political competition should never become an excuse for citizens to threaten, attack or destroy one another.
The organisation reiterated that no political ambition was worth the life of any Nigerian and that no electoral victory should come at the expense of human dignity, peace and national security.
GTI therefore called on Nigerians to reject political violence, embrace peaceful campaigns, respect opposing political views and support credible, free, fair and peaceful elections in 2027.
The organisation concluded with a call for collective responsibility in protecting lives, defending democracy and building a safer Nigeria.
Editorial note: Before publication, I recommend confirming the official designations of all the individuals quoted, particularly those of the GTI leadership and Senior Patron. It would also be useful to obtain the specific states and dates of the reported attacks to strengthen the report’s factual foundation.