The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has warned political leaders against threats, intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The regional body issued the warning in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Joel Odigie, through its peace and security early warning mechanism.

The statement was released on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Odigie expressed concern over inflammatory political rhetoric as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, warning that such statements could heighten tensions and trigger electoral violence.

He cited recent remarks attributed to the Edo State All Progressives Congress’ Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, which reportedly invoked “AK-47 fire” against persons perceived to be obstructing the party’s electoral ambitions.

“Threats, incitement and intimidation from any political actor must attract the same scrutiny, irrespective of political affiliation, party or individual involved in the alleged conduct.

“Nigeria’s elections must be a contest of ideas, policies and visions, not threats, weapons and fear,” he said.

The ITUC-Africa general secretary urged political leaders to promote peaceful, credible and inclusive democratic competition, while calling on relevant authorities to act promptly and impartially on credible allegations of electoral threats.

Mr Odigie called on the Nigeria Police Force, State Security Service and other relevant security agencies to investigate credible allegations of threats of electoral violence.

He urged the agencies to ensure accountability through due process where violations of electoral laws or other relevant provisions were established.

According to him, Section 97 of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 prohibits direct or indirect threats of force or violence during political campaigns to compel electoral support or opposition.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remind political parties and candidates of their obligations under the Electoral Act and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.

He called on political parties to discipline officials and supporters whose conduct threatened peaceful democratic competition, stressing that elections must remain free from weapons and intimidation.

“Political speech must not become the equivalent of shouting fire in a crowded hall,” he said.

It also warned against rhetoric capable of intimidating citizens or encouraging violence.

Mr Odigie noted the constitutional protection for freedom of expression under Section 39 of the Constitution but stressed that such freedom carried responsibilities.

The general secretary further urged INEC to urgently address challenges affecting voter registration, voter register integrity and voter education ahead of the 2027 elections.

He added that the administrative weaknesses in the electoral process could exclude eligible citizens from meaningful participation and undermine Nigerians’ constitutional right to vote.

He said that Nigeria was entering the electoral period amid terrorism, communal conflicts and other security challenges capable of undermining peaceful democratic participation.

He warned that violent extremist and armed groups could exploit heightened political tensions and divisions, urging political leaders to avoid creating opportunities for further violence.

“For Nigeria, peace is not simply an electoral aspiration; it is a vital national, economic and social asset,” the organisation said.

Mr Odigie said electoral violence could destroy livelihoods, weaken institutions and expose workers and communities to danger, stressing the need for preventive action before tensions escalated.

The ITUC-Africa called on President Bola Tinubu to publicly discourage and reprimand irresponsible political posturing that invoked violence, including within his political constituency.

He equally urged leaders of political parties to reject threats, intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric, and promote peaceful competition based on policies, ideas and development visions.

He said it would continue monitoring emerging warning signs and advocating preventive measures to ensure peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria.

(NAN)