Nigeria Police Probe Politicians Over Alleged Electoral Threats
The Nigeria Police Force has opened investigations into alleged inciting and threatening comments made by three political figures, including two members of the All Progressives Congress, as concerns grow over political rhetoric ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The politicians under investigation are Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; Kuje Area Council Chairman in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo; and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District. The police confirmed the investigations at a joint security spokespersons’ briefing in Abuja.
Buba has faced criticism over remarks allegedly threatening residents who refuse to support the APC, including comments interpreted as threats to flog or harm political opponents. Shekwolo was also accused of telling Kuje residents that they must support the APC or leave the area council. Fadahunsi, meanwhile, was questioned by police over remarks allegedly directed at members of the Accord Party ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.
Police spokesperson Ani Iniedu said statements capable of inciting members of the public, particularly those connected to the electoral process, could constitute criminal offences. He said the investigations would proceed regardless of the political status of those involved and that their outcomes would be made public.
The development comes amid heightened political tension as parties and politicians begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections. The police also disclosed that 154 people arrested in connection with offences during the August 15 Osun governorship election remained under investigation.
The controversy has renewed concerns about the use of intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric in Nigerian politics, particularly where political actors appear to threaten citizens over their choice of candidate or party. Earlier, the Accord Party had called for a police investigation into Shekwolo’s alleged remarks, arguing that residents should be free to support any political party without fear.
The investigations will now test whether Nigeria’s security institutions can apply electoral and criminal laws equally to powerful political actors. With the 2027 elections approaching, the handling of these cases could also influence public confidence in the ability of authorities to protect voters’ freedom to choose without intimidation.
