Politics
2023 Elections: Fears Heighten Over Thuggery, Violence
Unfolding events have shown that the 2023 general elections may be marred by the activities of political thugs who have been causing mayhem and obstructing campaign activities in several parts of the country.
It is reported that despite the Peace Accords signed by presidential candidates of all political parties on September 29 to in a bid commit themselves to a peaceful campa2023ign for the fast approaching election, several political activities have witnessed violent attacks.
Although the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was absent at the event, the two other major contenders, Peter Obi of the Labour Party and The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar signed the peace deal.
The deal seems to have relatively no effect on the campaign activities as thugs suspected to be sponsored by political parties continue to unleash terror on supporters of their rival party.
It is recalled that a social media influencer, Obi Flag Boy, was attacked at Oshodi, Lagos State on October 1, following the one-million-man march for Peter Obi in the State.
Condemning the incident, the former Anambra governor had in a tweet noted that peaceful assembly and unfettered electioneering campaigns are constitutionally guaranteed, alleging that the incident was birthed by effort of some persons to silence opposition.
”Elections are not deemed free and fair when a certain group employs the tool of intimidation to ensure that the opposition is silenced, both at the campaigns and at the polls”, he said.
A few days after the incident, another supporter of Obi, Joshua Alamu was attacked in Nasarawa State when thousands of persons rallied in support of his presidential ambition.
It would be recalled that at least one person was killed while several others were injured when political thugs attacked the Zamfara State governorship candidate of the PDP Dr. Dauda Lawal on October 14.
Lawal in a statement issued by the Dauda Lawal Media Centre in Gusau, accused the APC of sponsoring the attack, saying the thugs were armed to-the-teeth
Recall also that suspected hoodlums on October 17 disrupted the presidential campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ranchers Bees Stadium, Kaduna State.
According to reports, the hoodlums came into the Stadium with sticks and machetes and started attacking the crowd, leaving many supporters of the party injured.
No fewer than 74 persons were hospitalised, while over 100 vehicles were vandalised when hoodlums allegedly sponsored by some political parties attacked supporters of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in Maiduguri, Borno State on November 9 after a campaign rally.
In the same vein, a man identified as Lateef Wasiu was on Wednesday caught with double-faced Jack-knife at the Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba, Ibadan Oyo State during the Labour Party presidential campaign.
The suspect, who was arrested by the police and charged to court, was said to have positioned himself at a strategic place where the LP candidate, Peter Obi was expected to pass.
Speaking with journalists on the return of thuggery and violence in Nigerian, a ward chairman of PDP in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Mr Victor Ademagba fingered the ruling APC for the attacks.
He said, “we all know that APC has questions to answer in all these attacks. How come only PDP and Labour Party members and supporters are always attacked?
“When last did you hear that thugs attacked APC members during either campaign rally or any other function? It has always been the opposition parties.
“Some presidential candidates were deliberately absent from the Peace Accord event and we are seeing the reasons now. Until something is done about this menace, the 2023 elections may end as rubbish because polling units will be their target”.
It is gathered that APC had several times distanced itself from all the attacks, saying they are not known for violence.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom last week said it will use its visa programme to punish whoever is involved in electoral violence either directly or indirectly in the forthcoming elections.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing who gave the assurance in an interview with NAN, said the UK would monitor the elections closely.
Daily Post
Politics
“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.
Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.
ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back
“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.
The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.
He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.
Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.
In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.
He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.
Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.
Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.
He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.
Politics
Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting
There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.
The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.
However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.
ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition
Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.
He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.
Politics
Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift
The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.
Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.
The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.
SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja
Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.
He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.
In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.
The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.
The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.
Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.
The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.
As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.





