{OPINION} 2027: No Longer Business as Usual for APC, Tinubu Supporters as Victims Begin to Resist Political Thuggery

By ABANIKANDA OLUMORO (UK)

The growing determination of opposition members and ordinary citizens to resist political intimidation suggests that the era when political thuggery could easily silence dissenting voices may be coming to an end.

The political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections may be taking a dangerous turn, as Thursday, November 12, 2026, witnessed another disturbing episode of alleged political violence in Lagos State, following an attack on the venue of a scheduled town hall meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) by suspected political thugs.

The incident, reportedly involving more than 70 suspected thugs alleged to be supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has raised fresh concerns about the safety of opposition political activities and the future of democratic participation in Nigeria.

Reports surrounding the incident indicated that the attackers stormed the venue of the NDC town hall meeting in an attempt to disrupt the gathering. One of the suspected attackers was reportedly apprehended.

The development has brought renewed attention to the growing concerns that political intimidation, violence and the use of hired street gangs could undermine the credibility of the 2027 electoral process if not decisively addressed.

What makes the development particularly disturbing is the implication that political participation is increasingly being treated as a privilege to be granted by those in power rather than a constitutional right belonging to every Nigerian.

For many opposition supporters, the message appears to be that simply gathering to discuss their political choices could expose them to intimidation or physical attacks. However, the growing determination of opposition members and ordinary citizens to resist political intimidation suggests that the era when political thuggery could easily silence dissenting voices may be coming to an end.

2027: A Different Political Climate

The unfolding situation presents a serious warning to the APC and supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the 2027 elections may not be business as usual.

Nigerians are increasingly becoming conscious of their political rights and are unwilling to surrender their freedom of association and expression to political interests that seek to dominate the electoral space through intimidation.

The attacks on opposition activities in different parts of the country have continued to generate public concern. In November, NDC supporters in Asaba, Delta State, also alleged that suspected APC supporters attacked their peaceful mobilisation march, leaving participants injured and vehicles damaged. The Guardian Nigeria +1

Earlier, concerns had also been raised about the reported attack on Peter Obi’s convoy in Calabar, Cross River State, during his party’s political engagements. checked +1

These incidents, alongside Thursday’s development in Lagos, reinforce the urgency of addressing political violence before it escalates into a wider threat to national stability.

The Danger of Pushing Citizens to the Wall

There is a fundamental difference between political competition and political intimidation. Democracy allows political parties to disagree, mobilise supporters, criticise governments and seek votes. It does not permit any political organisation to use violence to prevent others from exercising those rights.

The reported apprehension of one of the suspected attackers in Lagos should therefore not mark the end of the matter. The police must investigate the incident, identify everyone involved and establish whether there were sponsors or financiers behind the alleged operation.

The APC leadership must equally demonstrate that it does not tolerate violence carried out in its name. Political parties cannot claim commitment to democracy while looking away whenever their supporters are accused of intimidating opponents.

President Tinubu, as the country’s leader, also has a responsibility to ensure that the political environment remains safe for every Nigerian, irrespective of party affiliation.

More importantly, opposition supporters must understand that defending their democratic rights does not mean taking the law into their own hands. Resistance should come through lawful action, documentation, public exposure, legal remedies and peaceful mobilisation.

The Message Ahead of 2027

The message from Thursday’s disturbing incident is unmistakable: Nigerians want to choose their leaders without fear.

No political party owns Lagos State, Nigeria or the democratic space. Neither political influence nor control of government machinery gives anyone the authority to determine who can hold a peaceful meeting.

If the APC hopes to secure another electoral mandate in 2027, it must do so through the ballot, not intimidation.

The 2027 elections should be a contest of ideas, records, policies and public confidence, not a competition in political violence.

The people are watching, and their determination to defend their democratic rights should not be mistaken for weakness.

Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, not to the ruling party or its political supporters.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this article are entirely those of the author and not of The DEFENDER Newspaper.