Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu
Nigerian politicians must prioritize the integrity of security processes by consistently allowing law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough and impartial investigations whenever incidents of violence or attacks occur, rather than rushing to exploit such events for emotional or political sympathy through unsubstantiated accusations against opponents or the ruling party. This approach undermines public trust in institutions, erodes the rule of law, and diverts attention from genuine security challenges that affect ordinary citizens across the country. When reports of gunfire, assaults, or threats emerge, the responsible course is to provide relevant details to the police or other appropriate bodies, cooperate fully with their inquiries, and await credible findings before making definitive claims about motives or perpetrators. Jumping to conclusions based on speculation or partisan interests only fuels division, creates unnecessary tension, and distracts from addressing root causes of insecurity.
It becomes particularly regrettable when supporters of political platforms, fully conscious of internal discord and ongoing disputes within their own ranks, deliberately shift the focus outward to paint a picture of external aggression tied to high-profile figures or ambitions. In the recent case involving the African Democratic Congress in Edo State, certain backers who knew about the escalating factional tensions attempted to reframe the narrative surrounding the incident that took place shortly after a gathering where Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party who has since indicated his association with the ADC, was present. Instead of acknowledging the evident internal rifts that had already manifested in protests, exclusions from meetings, and confrontations among party figures, some voices quickly attributed the violence to threats against Obi’s political future or aspirations, suggesting a coordinated effort to eliminate him because of his perceived interest to contest the 2027 presidential election. This redirection ignores the documented reality of deep divisions within the Edo chapter of the ADC, where disagreements over leadership, inclusion in key sessions, and control of structures had reached a boiling point even before the event unfolded. Such manoeuvres not only obscure the truth but also risk inflaming passions unnecessarily, as they portray routine party squabbles as grand conspiracies from outside forces.
The pattern of politicizing security incidents in this manner harms the broader democratic space. Nigeria stands at a critical juncture as preparations intensify for the 2027 presidential election, a period when unity, stability, and factual discourse should take precedence over inflammatory rhetoric. Politicians and their ardent followers must resist the temptation to heat up the polity with fabrications, half-truths, or exaggerated interpretations that serve short-term gains but sow long-term distrust. Spreading unverified stories of targeted attacks linked solely to political ambition, especially when internal party crises provide a more plausible context, contributes to a toxic atmosphere where every disagreement escalates into accusations of assassination plots or state-sponsored violence. This cycle erodes confidence in elections, discourages genuine participation, and makes it harder for security agencies to focus on real threats amid the noise of competing narratives.
Allowing investigations to proceed without premature blame games demonstrates maturity and respect for democratic institutions. Security operatives, when given the space, can gather evidence, interview witnesses, analyse scenes, and establish facts that might reveal whether an incident stems from criminal elements, personal vendettas, political rivalries within the same group, or other factors. When politicians or their supporters pre-empt these efforts by issuing statements that assign guilt to the ruling party or external actors, they not only prejudice potential outcomes but also pressure authorities into reactive positions rather than methodical work. True leadership involves restraint, especially in moments of crisis, and recognizing that emotional appeals based on victimhood may garner temporary sympathy but ultimately weaken the collective push for safer communities and fairer politics.
The unfortunate tendency to externalize blame appears rooted in a desire to rally bases, mobilize outrage, and position certain figures as endangered heroes whose survival underscores the stakes of their cause. Yet this strategy backfires when the public perceives manipulation, particularly in cases where evidence points inward. In the Edo ADC scenario, awareness of prior factional strife, including shutouts of prominent members from crucial deliberations and police interventions to calm tensions, made it evident that the violence likely arose from those unresolved quarrels rather than a sudden external campaign against a newly associated personality. Supporters who overlooked these dynamics to amplify a narrative of political persecution did a disservice to transparency and accountability. It is imperative for all involved to confront internal challenges honestly instead of deflecting them onto imagined adversaries, as doing so fosters healthier party structures and reduces the risk of violence spilling over.
As the nation edges closer to 2027, the imperative to maintain calm and truthfulness grows even stronger. Politicians across parties should commit to de-escalating rhetoric, avoiding inflammatory claims without proof, and encouraging their followers to do the same. Lies, whether outright or through selective framing, only deepen polarization at a time when Nigeria needs constructive dialogue on issues like economic recovery, security enhancement, and electoral reforms. Heating the polity with falsehoods risks sparking unnecessary confrontations, alienating moderate voters, and creating an environment where violence becomes normalized as a tool of political expression. Leaders must model responsible behaviour by urging patience for investigations, condemning all forms of violence unequivocally, and focusing public attention on policy solutions rather than personality-driven controversies.
Moreover, the broader lesson extends beyond any single incident or party. Every reported attack, regardless of who is involved, deserves the same measured response: swift reporting to authorities, full cooperation, and restraint from speculation until facts emerge. Blaming the ruling party reflexively, without evidence, not only absolves potential internal culprits but also trivializes the suffering of victims and the dangers faced by security personnel who risk their lives daily. Politicians owe it to the electorate to rise above cheap sympathy tactics and instead advocate for stronger institutions capable of protecting everyone, irrespective of affiliation. In urging restraint, it is worth emphasizing that genuine concern for safety should translate into support for professional policing, judicial independence, and community-level conflict resolution, rather than partisan exploitation. When incidents occur, the priority should be ensuring justice through due process, not leveraging them for electoral advantage.
As 2027 approaches, Nigeria’s leaders have an opportunity to demonstrate statesmanship by committing to truth, patience, and unity over division and distortion. By allowing security agencies to perform their duties unimpeded and resisting the urge to distort narratives for advantage, politicians can help build a more stable foundation for the democratic contest ahead, where ideas and records, not fear and falsehoods, determine outcomes. Ultimately, the health of Nigeria’s democracy depends on collective maturity in handling crises. Politicians must lead by example, discouraging their supporters from rushing to judgment or fabricating motives, and instead promoting a culture where facts prevail over fiction. This is especially crucial in an era of rapid information spread, where unverified claims can ignite widespread unrest before clarifications arrive. Choosing truth over sensationalism, investigation over accusation, and internal reflection over external blame will serve the nation far better as it navigates the challenging road to 2027 and beyond.
Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu is the National Vice-Chairman (South-East) of the All Progressives Congress.