Former presidential aide, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has warned that rising political violence, ethnic divisions and declining public confidence in democratic institutions could threaten Nigeria’s stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ojudu, in a statement dated November 6, 2026, called on political leaders, candidates and citizens across party lines to take urgent steps to protect the country’s democracy, warning that the current atmosphere could deepen into a national crisis if left unchecked.
He said recent attacks on political figures and campaign teams, alongside concerns over the handling of political disputes, pointed to a deeper problem that required attention beyond immediate condemnation of individual incidents.
Ojudu cited the recent Federal High Court judgment in Abuja which set aside the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and voided the presidential nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
While noting that the ADC had announced plans to appeal the decision, he said the party deserved a fair, independent and timely hearing. He also questioned whether political rules were being applied fairly, particularly when decisions affected those in power.
The former Special Adviser to the President also referred to reported attacks on political campaign teams in different parts of the country.
He mentioned an incident in Ado-Ekiti, where activist Omoyele Sowore reportedly said he and members of his team were attacked, as well as an attack on vehicles in the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Calabar.
In Kebbi State, he said the ADC campaign had reported an attack on its convoy, during which cameras and other equipment belonging to its media crew were destroyed, disrupting live coverage of the campaign.
Ojudu, however, stressed that political violence should not be condemned only when opposition figures are affected. He also cited the disruption of the APC campaign visit to Lafia, Nasarawa State, where Vice President Kashim Shettima’s convoy was reportedly obstructed, and incidents in Yankara, Katsina State, where vehicles were set ablaze and political posters destroyed.
He called for all such incidents to be investigated, regardless of the political affiliation of those involved, stressing that every party had the right to campaign peacefully.
To underline the danger of the situation, Ojudu recalled Nigeria’s political crises in 1965 and 1983, when disputed elections were followed by violence and the eventual collapse of the First and Second Republics.
He also pointed to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, arguing that the widespread support given to the late Moshood Abiola across ethnic and regional lines had demonstrated the potential of credible elections to strengthen national unity.
According to him, when citizens lose confidence in the electoral process and the institutions responsible for resolving political disputes, the consequences extend beyond individual candidates and parties.
Ojudu said Nigeria must remain stable enough for whoever emerges president in 2027 to govern, urging all presidential contenders to explain how they intend to rebuild public confidence in institutions and promote national unity.
He specifically called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that state institutions remain impartial and serve all Nigerians throughout the election period.
The former presidential aide also urged labour unions, professional associations, traditional and religious leaders, student organisations, journalists and civil society groups to organise peaceful, cross-party engagements and demand clear commitments from political candidates.
He said such engagements should focus on ensuring a fair electoral contest, protecting the right of political parties to campaign, guaranteeing press freedom and securing the timely resolution of electoral disputes.
Ojudu further challenged political leaders and supporters to reject ethnic hostility, particularly when it comes from members of their own political camps.
He maintained that Nigeria’s future depended on citizens being able to accept electoral outcomes, hold elected officials accountable and disagree politically without fear or hostility.
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