Babafemi Ojudu, a former senator and presidential aide, has cautioned that rising political violence, ethnic divisions, and eroding public confidence in democratic institutions threaten Nigeria’s stability ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mr Ojudu expressed concern in a statement on Friday, citing recent attacks on political leaders and campaign teams nationwide.

He cited reported attacks on Omoyele Sowore and his team in Ado-Ekiti, the smashing of windscreens on vehicles in Peter Obi’s convoy in Calabar and an attack on the African Democratic Congress campaign convoy in Kebbi.

He also referenced the disruption of the All Progressives Congress campaign visit in Lafia, Nasarawa, and the burning and destruction of vehicles and political posters in Katsina.

Mr Ojudu warned that the incidents, alongside the growing ethnic suspicion and declining trust in public institutions, could threaten Nigeria’s democracy. He noted the violence that followed the disputed 1965 and 1983 elections, which preceded the collapse of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics.

Mr Ojudu warned that history could repeat itself.

“We have seen how quickly a crisis of confidence can become a crisis of the republic,” he said.

He also said the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election weakened an opportunity for Nigerians across ethnic and regional lines to demonstrate national unity.

The former presidential aide urged presidential candidates to condemn ethnic rhetoric, defend opposition parties’ right to campaign, and commit to respecting credible election results.

He also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that state institutions operate impartially throughout the electoral process.

Mr Ojudu called on labour unions, professional bodies, religious leaders, journalists and civil society organisations to organise peaceful forums and press political candidates for firm commitments to protecting democracy and national unity.