ENUGU – Public affairs analysts have called on politicians, the media, security agencies and citizens to protect Enugu’s peace as the 2027 election season approaches, warning that rising intolerance and inflammatory rhetoric could threaten the state’s stability.
They spoke on Saturday, 17 October 2026, on *Freedom Square Live*, a programme on Solid FM 100.9 hosted by Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Ph.D. The discussion, “2027: Sustaining Peace and Civility in Enugu Political Space: A Periscopic Analysis,” also streamed on YouTube and Facebook. The guests were members of the Enugu State Chapter of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria.
Growing intolerance
Secretary of the chapter, Dr. Chikezie Obasi, said Nigerians are becoming “more fanatical than political,” treating opponents as fools and attacking those who present facts online. He said people with dissenting views are often abused and, in some cases, physically attacked. He cited the last general election and reports of opposition parties being restricted from campaigning in parts of Edo State. He warned that treating politicians as idols could lead to anarchy, and called on both government and opposition to accept that different viewpoints can serve the same goal of a better system.
Member of the chapter, Emeka Odom, said it is possible to campaign without conflict, but argued that tension often stems from the conduct of some politicians, especially incumbents who control state institutions. He said hate speech, a shrinking democratic space and intimidation push opponents “to the wall,” prompting reactions that can degenerate into conflict. He said incumbents should campaign on their records, and linked the debate on state police to public fears that it could be used against opponents.
Financial Secretary of the chapter, Umeh Clinton, said the present atmosphere in Enugu did not arise suddenly. He said politicians on both sides use language that rewards verbal aggression as a sign of loyalty. He recalled that the state had enjoyed 16 uninterrupted years of relatively peaceful transitions, but said the 2023 election brought ethnic poisoning and verbal hostility whose effects are still felt. He criticised some government spokespersons for responding to opposition claims with insults, and urged the opposition to move beyond slogans such as “no more tax” and explain how it would fund the state. Both sides, he said, should reframe their messaging around issues and “Enugu first.”
Signage fees and uneven playing field
The discussants criticised what they described as sharply increased outdoor advertising fees for political candidates. Odom said some states charge presidential candidates as much as 200 million naira, and alleged that candidates backed by incumbent governors are often exempt. Chairman of the chapter, Ambrose Igboke, Ph.D, called the practice unethical and a panic strategy, asking why a government that has performed well should fear the opposition. He said the opposition should challenge such fees in court and urged governors to rescind them. Obasi added that excessive fees deny states legitimate revenue and are difficult to enforce, noting that campaigns increasingly move online.
Evidence over emotion
Igboke urged the opposition to base its challenges on evidence rather than social media claims, saying professional inquiries and forensic examination of electoral documents are more effective than emotional or violent opposition. He cited what he said was the approach used by President Bola Tinubu while in opposition, when forensic experts were engaged to review electoral records in several states.
Role of the media, leaders and faith groups
Igboke said the media must avoid language that treats elections as war, and called for programmes to disclaim inciting statements immediately. He also faulted the National Peace Committee, saying peace accords signed by politicians are seldom followed up, and suggested it should track and publicly expose violations.
Obasi and Odom said religious and traditional leaders should be re-educated on nation-building. They criticised clerics who use the pulpit to demonise candidates or direct congregants how to vote, and Odom urged the media to resist stories that sell but stoke tension.
Odom and Obasi also referred to the Enugu State Governor’s recent broadcast, in which the governor said violence is not in his nature and that the state should be open to free campaigning. Odom said leaders should issue such statements promptly and boldly, citing former President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.
Closing appeals
In closing remarks, the guests urged all stakeholders to protect the peace and said Nigeria must continue to thrive beyond 2027. They urged those in government not to suppress the opposition, and the opposition to avoid campaigns of calumny. Emeka Odom commended the Enugu State Governor for the state’s relative peace, and another recalled sheltering from gunfire at a primary election he monitored in Anambra, stressing that violence spares no one. They asked security agencies to act professionally regardless of political interest, and told citizens that sovereignty rests with them and they should refuse to be instruments of violence.
Dr Anioke closed by urging parties to educate their voters, the media to report accurately, security agencies to act professionally and young people to participate responsibly. He called on all to choose dialogue over violence, facts over rumours and democratic engagement over hostility.