As the 2027 electioneering season gathers momentum, political parties and their candidates must resist the temptation to embrace politics of bitterness, recrimination, and political violence. The commencement of campaigns should ordinarily mark the beginning of a healthy contest of ideas, records, policies, and competing visions for the future. It should not become an invitation to character assassination, campaigns of calumny, name-calling, emotional blackmail, media propaganda, or violence.
The recent alarm raised by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District, over an alleged threat to his life is therefore a matter that deserves responsible attention. Threats to life, if genuine, are too serious to be reduced to political rhetoric. Senator Omo-Agege should report every credible threat to the appropriate security agencies and provide whatever evidence is available to assist investigation, as advised by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The security agencies, on their part, must investigate professionally, impartially and without political interference.
At the same time, it is important to condemn any attempt to use an allegation of this nature as a vehicle for campaign of calumny, emotional blackmail or political intimidation. Allegations should be investigated and established by competent authorities; they should not be converted into predetermined verdicts in the court of public opinion.
Governor Oborevwori has publicly denied any involvement in the alleged threat. There is also a significant political context that should encourage sober reflection. In 2023, Omo-Agege was a principal opposition governorship candidate who contested directly against Oborevwori. If Governor Oborevwori did not threaten the life of Omo-Agege when he was challenging him for the governorship of Delta State, it is difficult to establish a rational basis for suggesting that he would now resort to such conduct merely because Omo-Agege is contesting for the Senate.
The political positions have changed, the governor is now the APC governorship candidate, while Omo-Agege is the NDC senatorial candidate, but political rivalry should never be allowed to degenerate into personal hatred.
Indeed, the conduct of Governor Oborevwori since assuming office presents a public image of a politician who has consistently emphasised peace, security, development and stakeholder engagement. His M.O.R.E. Agenda places enhanced peace and security among its central priorities, with emphasis on collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders. His administration has also invested in the operational capacity of security agencies and introduced mechanisms designed to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
That peace-building posture is difficult to reconcile with the proposition that the governor would deliberately sponsor violence against a political opponent. Oborevwori has repeatedly projected peace as essential to economic development and social stability, and his administration’s investment in security is consistent with that position. A governor seeking to attract investors, develop infrastructure and improve the welfare of citizens has no rational interest in turning Delta into a theatre of political violence.
The administration’s development record also provides sufficient substance for a serious 2027 campaign. Since 2023, the government has embarked on major road, bridge, drainage and urban renewal projects across the state. The Trans-Warri-Ode-Itsekiri road and bridges, major flyovers and other strategic road projects have become visible components of the administration’s infrastructure agenda. These projects, together with investments in other sectors, provide the government with achievements to defend and provide the opposition with issues to scrutinise.
The social welfare component of the administration’s agenda should equally feature prominently in the political debate. Through its “Opportunities for All” programme and related social investment initiatives, the government has pursued interventions involving skills acquisition, support for small businesses and artisans, women’s empowerment, microcredit and assistance to vulnerable citizens.
There is nothing undemocratic about the opposition questioning these achievements. If they believe the government’s security strategy is inadequate, they should explain what they would do differently. If they believe infrastructure development is insufficient, they should present an alternative investment plan.
But criticism must remain criticism. It must not become character assassination. The same principle applies to the ruling party and its supporters, which is why Governor Oborevwori always welcome legitimate criticism, and had ensured that his supporters and government spokespersons do not respond to opposition arguments with threats, insults, intimidation or violence. Government supporters should defend the administration’s record with facts and evidence, not abuse. Political opponents should likewise challenge the government with facts and evidence, not propaganda and unsubstantiated allegations.
There must be a clear line between robust political criticism and campaign of calumny. There is a line between political accountability and name-calling. There is a line between legitimate grievance and emotional blackmail. There is an even more fundamental line between political competition and violence. All four must be rejected unequivocally.
The 2027 campaign must not become a competition in who can insult the other side most effectively or manufacture the most sensational headline. Deltans deserve better. They deserve a debate on roads, education, healthcare, employment, agriculture, industrialisation, youth development, security, social protection and the responsible management of public resources.
Senator Omo-Agege, equally, has a responsibility to conduct his campaign in a manner that strengthens rather than weakens public confidence in the democratic process. If there is a genuine threat, let the police and other security agencies investigate it. If there is a political disagreement, let the campaign platforms provide the avenue for debate. If there is an allegation against government, let evidence accompany it.
The people of Delta State should be presented with choices, not fears; arguments, not insults; records, not rumours; and competing programmes, not political warfare.
The political class must understand that the election will eventually end, but Delta State will remain. The governor, senators, members of the House of Representatives and other elected officials will come and go, but the communities, families and relationships that bind Deltans together will endure.
It is therefore time for all political parties and candidates to draw a red line against campaigns of calumny, name-calling, emotional blackmail, misinformation, intimidation and violence. No electoral victory is worth destroying the peace of the state.
The 2027 election should be a contest for the confidence of the people, not a contest for the destruction of political opponents.
Let Oborevwori defend his record. Let Omo-Agege challenge it. Let every candidate present an alternative. Let the security agencies investigate genuine threats. Let the electorate decide, and let Delta remain peaceful before, during and after the election.
That is the responsible path to democratic maturity. Delta deserves politics without bitterness, opposition without hatred, competition without violence, and a campaign driven by issues rather than calumny.
Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., is the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Governor’s Office Asaba. He’s a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA)
