A public affairs analyst, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, has warned that the statement that “all is fair in politics” could encourage political violence, electoral manipulation and impunity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Igboke, who is Chairman of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, gave the warning during an interview on Freedom Square TV – *Political Conversations*, hosted by Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Ph.D.

He said Nigeria’s democracy remained fragile because the country was still operating largely within a system of civil rule rather than a fully developed democratic structure.

According to him, statements from political leaders, particularly those at the highest level, carry significant consequences because supporters and political actors could interpret them as approval to engage in unlawful activities.

Igboke said the President, as Commander-in-Chief, had a responsibility beyond his role as a political contestant, stressing that he must protect the safety and rights of all political actors, including his opponents.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu, like other politicians, had the right to campaign and seek victory, but must not allow his role as a political participant to overshadow his responsibilities as President.

Igboke said political competition should be based on ideas, policies, persuasion and mobilisation rather than violence, intimidation or manipulation of electoral processes.

He also criticised what he described as the failure of successive governments to effectively prosecute electoral offenders, attributing the problem to inadequate evidence, unwillingness of witnesses to testify and alleged political interference.

He urged political actors to protect the country’s democratic institutions and avoid actions that could undermine national stability before, during and after the 2027 elections.