Political threats in Nigeria carry fines and jail time under the 2026 Electoral Act, while a Nov. 2 Premium Times editorial cited reports of official pressure and a crowd blocking Peter Obi’s convoy.
Section 97 applies when someone threatens force or violence during campaign activity to influence support for a party or candidate. A person, candidate, aspirant or group convicted under the provision can face a fine of up to 5 million naira or 12 months in prison. Political parties face a 10 million naira fine for a first offense and 2 million naira for a subsequent offense.
The Premium Times editorial argued that authorities should respond to reports of political intimidation. It cited incidents in Ebonyi, Borno and Benue. In Ebonyi, Gov. Francis Nwifuru spoke at a Sept. 1 swearing-in ceremony for chairpersons of the state’s 13 local government areas, according to reports by TheCable, Tribune and Premium Times. Those reports said he warned that chairpersons would be removed if they failed to deliver All Progressives Congress (APC) victories in their councils.
At an Aug. 31 event for the Tinubu City Boy Movement, Borno Youth and Sports Development Commissioner Sainna Buba reportedly threatened people who would not follow the APC. New Telegraph, citing a video of the event, quoted Buba as saying, “they will be flogged.” The International Centre for Investigative Reporting also reported the remarks.
Esther Umoh, Obi’s photographer, posted video on X showing a crowd blocking his convoy on Gboko Road on Sept. 8, as he traveled to visit communities affected by violence. Channels Television reported that the Benue State Government denied involvement. Benue Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu said Sept. 9 that police had arrested 46 people over the incident. Police said the investigation was continuing. The available reports did not establish whether those arrested had links to a political group.
A July 2024 Supreme Court ruling held that state governors cannot dissolve elected local councils and replace them with caretaker committees. Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission lists presidential and National Assembly elections for Jan. 16, 2027, followed by governorship and State House of Assembly elections on Feb. 6.
