A security affairs analyst, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, has called for strict punishment for politicians who sponsor, fund or encourage political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adamu warned that political thuggery, especially in Kano State and other parts of Northern Nigeria, should no longer be treated as ordinary youth restiveness but as a major security threat to democracy and national stability.
The security analyst said the increasing use of young people for electoral violence was dangerous and must be urgently addressed by the government, security agencies and electoral authorities.
“Political thuggery is a serious threat to democratic stability and peaceful coexistence,” Adamu told Daily Post over the weekend.
‘Politicians Funding Violence Must Be Held Accountable’
Adamu said any politician found to be sponsoring or encouraging violence during elections must face the full weight of the law, regardless of status, office or political influence.
According to him, the law should apply equally to governors, senators, lawmakers and candidates seeking elective positions.
He said, “Politicians who fund violence must be held accountable. This should apply to governors, senators, lawmakers, and all candidates seeking elective offices.”
‘No Political Office Is Worth The Blood Of Innocent Citizens’
The analyst warned that using youths as instruments of violence during elections would only weaken democratic institutions and expose innocent citizens to danger.
He added, “No political office is worth the blood or suffering of innocent citizens.”
To curb the menace, Adamu called for intelligence-led policing, saying security agencies must identify, monitor and dismantle criminal networks before they are mobilised for political violence.
He said security operatives must move beyond reacting after violence has occurred and instead focus on early warning, prevention and coordinated enforcement.
Adamu also recommended stronger collaboration among security agencies through joint operations, coordinated patrols and targeted raids in areas considered prone to political violence.
The security expert said technology must play a major role in preventing electoral violence before, during and after the 2027 elections.
He urged the government to invest in modern surveillance systems, including closed-circuit television cameras in public places, markets, motor parks and entry points into major towns and cities.
He said, “Government should invest in modern surveillance systems like CCTV in public places, markets, motor parks, and entry points, as well as use drones and digital tracking tools.”
Adamu said such tools would help security agencies track movements, monitor flashpoints and respond more quickly to threats.
He further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to develop a strong electoral security framework ahead of the 2027 polls.
He said the framework should cover the period before, during and after elections to ensure that voters, election officials, observers and security personnel are protected.
According to him, early preparation would help reduce tension, prevent intimidation and build public confidence in the electoral process.
Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders Must Help
The security analyst also stressed the need for community involvement in tackling political violence.
He said traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and community-based organisations must be actively involved in peacebuilding and campaigns against thuggery.
Adamu noted that many youths used for political violence were victims of joblessness, poverty and manipulation by desperate politicians.
He said, “We must focus on youth empowerment, vocational training, education, and rehabilitation programmes to reduce their recruitment into violence.”
Adamu also called for the establishment of special fast-track courts to ensure the quick prosecution of electoral offenders.
He said delays in prosecuting those involved in political violence often encourage impunity and make offenders believe they can escape justice.
He said, “Swift justice will serve as a strong deterrent to others.”
The analyst warned politicians to change their approach ahead of the 2027 elections, saying political contests should be driven by ideas, leadership capacity and development plans rather than intimidation, violence and fear.
He added, “Any political system that depends on violence is a threat to democracy and national unity.”
