By Vivian Okejeme
As the 2027 general elections draw near, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness(CCLCA), has expressed concerns over escalating wave of political intolerance, intimidation and state-level crackdowns.
The coalition of right organisations said the dangerous proliferation of firearms threaten to subvert and turn democracy process into a battlefield.
Speaking at a press conference, convener of the group, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, called on the nation to ensure that 2027 general elections is a celebration of popular sovereignty, protected by the law not by armed thugs and merchants of terror.
This was following an alarming escalation of pre-election violence across several states, signalling an urgent threat to national security and civil liberty.
Against this backdrop, the coalition, in a bid to ensure credible election, demanded
immediate disarmament of political spaces.
They called on the security and intelligence agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to arrest and prosecute any politician, candidate, or political thug found brandishing or unlawfully possessing firearms, regardless of party affiliation.
The group prayed for the neutrality and accountability from state actors, governors and government officials must immediately cease inflammatory rhetoric, threats of violence, or directives instructing officials to “deal mercilessly” with political opponents.
Furthermore, they demanded for protection of minorities and opposition parties, as well as an immediate end to the harassment of minority parties such as the ADC, the
destruction of campaign materials, and restrictions on peaceful political assembly.
Moreso, the CSO wants a stronger electoral security
law enforcement agencies to work proactively to secure vulnerable local government areas and ensure that citizens can exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and without intimidation.
Concluding, Dr Nwambu maintained that the PVC remains the principal instrument of democratic choice.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
