2027: DOPF Members Fear Rising Political Violence, Chairman Warns Of Tough Months Ahead … Forum Members Express Concern Over Political Intimidation, Security Agencies’ Response

CONCERNS over the possibility of escalating political violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections have dominated discussions among members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), following the circulation of videos purportedly showing confrontations involving political supporters and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.

The discussion was triggered by a viral video reportedly showing a woman wielding a cutlass after an alleged attack on members of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Lagos.

The alleged attack was attributed in some accounts to suspected thugs believed to be supporters of a rival political party. However, the identities of those responsible and the circumstances surrounding the incident were not independently established in the discussion.

Reacting to the footage on the Forum’s WhatsApp platform, DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, expressed apprehension about the emerging political atmosphere, warning that the opening months of 2027 could be particularly challenging.

“We are in for tough rides come January and February 2027,” Enebeli wrote.

His observation generated reactions from members of the professional media association, with contributors expressing concerns about political intimidation, the responsibilities of security agencies, the conduct of political leaders and the possible consequences of allowing electoral disagreements to degenerate into violence.

The Vice Chairman of the Forum, Chukwudi Abiandu, described the development as serious, expressing hope that the tension would not degenerate into wider violence.

“Unfortunately, I hope it does not degenerate,” he stated.

Another member, Wilbert Ijeoma, suggested that supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, appeared to be adopting a more confrontational approach, comparing their emerging disposition with the political movement associated with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“Obidients now have some touch of Kwankwassiya madness,” Ijeoma remarked.

Celestine Ukah similarly expressed concern that the country could be approaching a period of heightened confrontation, observing that abnormal political circumstances could provoke equally abnormal responses.

“Abnormal situation gets abnormal situation too oooo as it looms oooo,” he wrote.

In a subsequent contribution, Ukah maintained that the situation was already deteriorating, declaring: “Already generating ooooo.”

The Forum’s Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, also weighed in, suggesting that opposition supporters were increasingly prepared to resist attacks rather than remain passive in the face of intimidation.

“It takes madness to cure madness! NDC members are fully prepared for APC thugs, sadly, NDC now has more deadly thugs than APC,” Onitsha stated.

His remarks reflected his personal interpretation of the confrontation and were not supported by independently established evidence identifying those responsible for the alleged attack.

In a more extensive contribution, Austin Azuh criticised what he considered the failure of political leaders to speak decisively against attacks on opposition supporters, warning that continued silence could embolden those responsible for political intimidation.

“This period nor be for English ooo!” Azuh declared.

He argued that political leaders who should condemn violence had, through their silence and actions, contributed to an atmosphere in which attacks on political opponents appeared to be tolerated.

“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,” he stated.

Azuh called for a stronger response from the Federal Government, including the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for political attacks, to discourage further violence.

He expressed particular concern about the implications of the unfolding political atmosphere for younger Nigerians, warning that the country’s democratic future could be endangered if citizens became indifferent to threats against political freedom.

“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.

Recalling a position repeatedly expressed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, Azuh emphasised that political ambition should never take precedence over human life.

“As President Goodluck Jonathan would always remind us, 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,” he added.

The discussion also extended to the conduct of security agencies, with Abiandu criticising the Delta State Police Command over what he described as its response to unfolding political developments.

“Even the attitude of the Delta State Police Command in the unfolding scenarios leaves much to be desired. Their attitude exposes them as complicit. The current police leadership in Delta should hide its head in shame. A big let down,” he alleged.

The allegation represented Abiandu’s personal assessment of the command’s conduct and did not establish police involvement in any political attack. No response from the Delta State Police Command was provided in the discussion.

Amid the expressions of concern, Azuh posed a question reflecting the anxiety surrounding the political situation: “Who will help us?”

Responding, Abiandu turned to biblical teachings, expressing confidence that divine intervention remained possible even in periods of political uncertainty.

Quoting Psalm 37:33, he recalled the assurance that God would not abandon the righteous to the power of the wicked or allow them to be unjustly condemned. He also cited Job 8:20, which speaks of God’s commitment to people of integrity and His refusal to support evildoers.

Abiandu drew a historical parallel with the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, recalling the atmosphere of fear and political repression associated with the period.

“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, and death defied all the security equipment in Aso Rock and took Abacha away,” he said.

He concluded that no political leader, regardless of the extent of their influence or security arrangements, was beyond divine authority.

“The lesson for me is that God has not yet created the man or woman that He cannot handle. He is our help,” Abiandu stated.

The conversation took another dimension when the Forum’s Treasurer, Joe Ogbodu, shared a separate video circulating online, purportedly showing INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, being confronted by Nigerians during a visit to Chatham House in London.

The footage was circulated with claims that the electoral commission chairman had been disgraced, while a voice accompanying the recording alleged that Nigerian youths had confronted him and demanded explanations about developments in their home country.

“The INEC chairman of Nigeria is in England. The angry youth of Nigeria stopped him that he should come out and tell them what is happening in Nigeria. He must come down to address them,” the voice claimed.

The recording also featured the declaration: “A new Nigeria is possible. This is just testing the microphone.”

Ogbodu’s contribution introduced another dimension to the discussion, drawing attention to public expectations of electoral transparency and accountability as Nigeria prepares for another general election.

Taken together, the reactions reflected growing concern among the media professionals about the country’s political climate, particularly the potential for confrontations between rival supporters to undermine peaceful political participation.

Although contributors differed in their interpretations of the unfolding developments, their exchanges raised questions about the responsibilities of political parties, government authorities, electoral institutions and security agencies in ensuring that citizens can exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.

The discussion also underscored the importance of distinguishing legitimate political resistance and peaceful protest from acts of violence, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

For DOPF members, the approaching election season presents a test not only of the willingness of political actors to respect democratic principles but also of the capacity of state institutions to protect citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.

Whether the fears expressed by the Forum’s chairman will materialise remains uncertain. What is evident, however, is the anxiety among the media professionals over the possibility of political disagreements escalating into violence as the country moves closer to the polls.