Members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum have expressed fears that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 general elections, following reports of an attack on members of the Nigerian Democratic Convention during a town hall meeting in Lagos.
The publishers raised the concerns during discussions on the forum’s WhatsApp platform after a viral video showed a woman wielding a cutlass following the reported attack, allegedly involving suspected political thugs.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the forum, Emmanuel Enebeli, warned that the country could face a difficult political atmosphere as the elections approach.
“We are in for tough rides come January and February 2027,” Enebeli wrote.
His warning triggered reactions from other members, who expressed concerns about the growing tension between political groups and the possible consequences for the country’s democracy.
The Vice Chairman of the forum, Chukwudi Abiandu, said he was worried that the situation could degenerate into wider violence.
“Unfortunately, I hope it does not degenerate,” he stated.
Another member, Wilbert Ijeoma, compared the emerging political disposition of supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, with the political movement associated with Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Similarly, Celestine Ukah warned that the situation could provoke further confrontations, saying, “Abnormal situation gets abnormal situation too oooo as it looms oooo.”
The forum’s Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, also suggested that opposition supporters might increasingly resist political intimidation rather than remain passive when attacked.
“It takes madness to cure madness! NDC members are fully prepared for APC thugs, sadly, NDC now has more deadly thugs than APC,” he said.
However, his claim about the alleged strength of political groups was not supported by independently verified evidence.
In his contribution, Austin Azuh criticised political leaders for what he described as their failure to speak firmly against attacks on opposition supporters.
He warned that silence over political intimidation could encourage further violence and undermine citizens’ freedom to participate in elections.
“The political leaders who ought to condemn these acts have, by their silence and actions, created an atmosphere where invasion, intimidation, harassment, assaults and even the killing of opposition supporters and members appear to be tolerated or endorsed,” Azuh said.
He called for the Federal Government to ensure that people responsible for political attacks were investigated and prosecuted.
Azuh also expressed concern about the future of younger Nigerians, warning that the country’s democratic progress could be threatened if citizens became indifferent to political violence.
“This is not the democracy we fought for, nor the country we envisioned. I am deeply worried and emotional about the future of my generation, especially those who seem unconcerned about the dangers threatening the very democracy that should protect their future,” he said.
Quoting former President Goodluck Jonathan, Azuh added, “No election is worth the blood of any Nigerian. Political ambition must never be placed above human life, peace and the sanctity of our democracy.”
The discussion also extended to the conduct of security agencies, with Abiandu criticising the Delta State Police Command over what he described as its handling of unfolding political developments.
He alleged that the command’s attitude raised questions about its commitment to addressing political tensions.
However, the allegation was his personal assessment, and the forum’s discussion did not establish police involvement in any political attack.
The Delta State Police Command’s response was not included in the exchanges.
Meanwhile, the forum’s Treasurer, Joe Ogbodu, shared another video purportedly showing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, being confronted by Nigerians during a visit to Chatham House in London.
The footage, which circulated with claims that the INEC chairman had been embarrassed, appeared to show some Nigerians demanding answers over developments in the country.
A voice accompanying the video claimed that Nigerian youths had insisted that Amupitan address their concerns.
The authenticity and circumstances surrounding the footage were not independently established in the forum’s discussion.
The development added to the publishers’ concerns about public confidence in electoral institutions and the need for transparency ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amid the exchanges, Abiandu appealed to divine intervention, quoting biblical passages from Psalm 37:33 and Job 8:20.
He also recalled the military era of the late Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha, saying the country had previously experienced a period of fear and political repression.
“There was a time in this country when one Sani Abacha held the nation by the jugular. But somehow, the God who rules in the affairs of man stepped in,” he said.
He added, “God has not yet created the man or woman that He cannot handle. He is our help.”
The discussions reflected the publishers’ concerns about the responsibility of political parties, government authorities, security agencies and electoral institutions to prevent violence and protect citizens’ democratic rights.
They also highlighted the need for political disagreements to be resolved through peaceful engagement rather than intimidation or physical confrontation as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
