The recent warning reportedly issued by Sunday Igboho cautioning Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi or their supporters against stepping into the South-West for campaign activities has triggered widespread concern about the growing climate of political intimidation in Nigeria..
In a constitutional democracy, no individual or group has the authority to declare any region politically off-limits. The right of candidates and political parties to campaign freely across the country is guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. Attempts to restrict this right through threats or warnings undermine democratic principles and risk deepening political divisions.
Observers warn that such rhetoric, if left unchecked, could embolden further acts of harassment and intimidation against opposition figures as the country gradually moves toward another election cycle. Democracy thrives on open competition of ideas, not territorial declarations or political gatekeeping.
The ADC and other democratic stakeholders are therefore being urged to escalate the issue through formal channels, including petitions to security agencies and electoral authorities. Ensuring that every candidate can campaign freely in every part of the country is essential to preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians. No region, no matter how politically influential, can be turned into a forbidden zone for legitimate political participation. Safeguarding that principle remains critical to the future of the nation’s democracy.
