Elder statesman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, has warned that growing political intolerance and attacks on supporters of opposition parties could threaten Nigeria’s peace and lead to anarchy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ahamba gave the warning in an interview with VINCENT KALU, expressing concern over reported attacks at campaign venues and the absence of arrests and prosecutions in connection with such incidents.
He cautioned that continued attacks could provoke retaliation from affected political groups, potentially escalating tensions and creating serious security challenges.
“I’m not happy that people are being attacked at campaign venues,” he said, describing the situation as a possible beginning of anarchy.
The senior lawyer also criticised alleged restrictions on opposition campaign billboards and the destruction of political posters in some states, arguing that political parties should be allowed to campaign freely within the provisions of the law.
He maintained that campaign activities should focus on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, particularly insecurity, the education sector and economic hardship.
According to him, candidates should present practical solutions to the country’s challenges rather than engage in political distractions.
On concerns surrounding alleged AI-generated photographs in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter register, Ahamba called for an independent investigation involving political parties and civil society organisations.
He urged INEC to explain what went wrong, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
Ahamba expressed concern that Nigeria could approach another election with questions surrounding the credibility of its voter register, recalling his experience as lead counsel to former President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2007 election dispute.
He observed that while other countries were deploying artificial intelligence for technological advancement, some Nigerians were allegedly seeking to use the technology to compromise electoral integrity.
The PDP chieftain also faulted President Bola Tinubu’s reported claim that opposition parties were responsible for the country’s hardship, describing it as an “escapist defence” by the ruling party.
He argued that the government should be judged by its own performance and ability to address economic challenges rather than shift responsibility to previous administrations or opposition parties.
On the reported endorsement of President Tinubu by South-East governors, Ahamba said the governors were entitled to their political decisions but cautioned against assuming that their positions would automatically determine how residents of the region vote.
He maintained that voters would ultimately make their choices through the ballot, adding that governors did not necessarily control the votes of their states.
Regarding the Federal Government’s reported cash transfer programme for vulnerable Nigerians, Ahamba said he was unaware of anyone in his community who had benefited from the initiative.
He called for greater transparency in the selection of beneficiaries, suggesting that traditional rulers and community leaders could help identify vulnerable residents who should receive assistance.
On the proposed establishment of state police, the legal practitioner disclosed that he remained opposed to the idea because of his concerns about the possible misuse of local security institutions, particularly based on historical experiences.
However, he acknowledged that the majority of Nigerians appeared to support the proposal, adding that he would respect the democratic process despite maintaining his position.
Ahamba further condemned threatening statements by politicians against voters, warning that such rhetoric had no place in a democratic society.
He urged relevant authorities to act promptly to prevent political tensions from escalating ahead of the 2027 elections.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
