By Michael Oche
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has called for political actors who issue threats or incite violence ahead of the 2027 general elections to be held accountable.
ITUC-Africa, through its Peace and Security Early Warning Mechanism, said inflammatory and intimidating political rhetoric emerging ahead of the elections posed a threat to peaceful democratic competition.
The organisation made the call in a statement issued in Lomé, Togo, on Tuesday by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie.
It cited recent remarks attributed to the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, involving references to “AK-47 fire” against persons allegedly standing in the way of the party’s electoral target.
The organisation, however, said the concern should not be limited to one individual or political party, stressing that threats, incitement and intimidation by any political actor should attract the same scrutiny.
Odigie said Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibited direct or indirect threats of force or violence during political campaigns aimed at compelling support for or opposition to a political party or candidate.
ITUC-Africa therefore urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other competent agencies to promptly and impartially investigate credible allegations of threats of electoral violence.
It also called for accountability through due process where violations were established.
The organisation urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remind political parties and candidates of their obligations under the Electoral Act and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.
According to it, the code requires political parties to cooperate towards peaceful and orderly elections and prohibits weapons at polling stations.
“Political parties must discipline officials and supporters whose conduct threatens peaceful democratic competition,” it said.
ITUC-Africa General Secretary acknowledged that freedom of expression was constitutionally protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, but said the right came with responsibility.
He warned that political speech capable of intimidating citizens or encouraging violence must not be normalised as part of ordinary campaigning.
The organisation also urged INEC to address weaknesses in electoral preparations, particularly voter registration, the integrity of the voters’ register and voter education.
It said administrative shortcomings could exclude eligible citizens from meaningful participation in the 2027 elections.
ITUC-Africa noted that INEC had acknowledged persistent challenges with the voters’ register and announced a nationwide revalidation exercise, while also committing to expand voter education ahead of the elections.
It urged the commission to implement the measures transparently and urgently.
The organisation further expressed concern over Nigeria’s security situation, including terrorism, communal conflict and other forms of insecurity, ahead of the elections.
It said terrorist attacks, political violence and broader insecurity could undermine meaningful democratic participation, while violent extremist and other armed groups could exploit heightened political tension and division.
“Political leaders must not create an atmosphere that provides such actors with opportunities for further violence,” it said.
ITUC-Africa said peace was not merely an electoral aspiration but a vital national, economic and social asset, warning that electoral violence could destroy livelihoods, weaken institutions and endanger workers and communities.
It therefore called on President Bola Tinubu to publicly discourage and reprimand irresponsible political posturing that invokes violence, including within his own political constituency.
The organisation also urged leaders of all political parties to take similar steps.
“Nigeria’s elections must be a contest of ideas, policies and visions—not threats, weapons and fear,” it said.
ITUC-Africa said it would continue to monitor warning signs and advocate preventive measures towards peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
