It is deeply disturbing that an elected local government chairman whose primary responsibility is to serve and protect the interests of the people would reportedly threaten citizens over their choice of candidate at the polls. Such conduct is not merely shameful and unacceptable; it strikes at the very foundation of democracy.
What kind of politics have we allowed to take root in Nigeria, where some politicians forget the people who gave them a mandate the moment they assume office? How can an elected public official resort to threats and intimidation because citizens may choose not to support his preferred political party?
Political office is a position of public trust, not a licence to intimidate, threaten or coerce the electorate. Those elected to serve must remain accountable to every citizen, regardless of political affiliation or voting preference.
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An election should be a contest of ideas, policies, competence and character not a battlefield where citizens are frightened into submission. Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to choose a candidate freely, without fear, harassment or intimidation. No politician owns the votes of the people.
Any public official who believes that threatening citizens is an acceptable strategy for winning an election raises serious questions about his character and democratic credentials. Leadership should inspire confidence, not fear. Political support must be earned through responsible governance, credible policies and genuine service to the people.
Conduct that threatens the freedom of the electorate must never be normalised, excused or celebrated as political rhetoric. Where credible evidence of threats or intimidation exists, the appropriate authorities should investigate. If any law has been violated, those responsible should face the consequences prescribed by law, irrespective of their position or party affiliation.
Citizens must also reject political complacency. Political power belongs to the people—not to elected officials, political parties or powerful individuals. Elections provide citizens with an opportunity to reward responsible leadership and reject those who abuse their offices, intimidate voters or treat public institutions as personal property.
Nigeria cannot afford leaders who regard citizens as subjects rather than the people they were elected to serve. The country is already confronting insecurity, hunger, unemployment, kidnapping, banditry, inadequate infrastructure and a worsening cost-of-living crisis.
These are the issues that should command the full attention of public officials. Instead, some politicians appear more concerned with controlling the choices of citizens than addressing the problems affecting their daily lives.
Nigeria is not a banana republic. Democracy cannot survive where citizens are afraid to exercise their fundamental right to choose their leaders. When threats replace persuasion and intimidation replaces debate, elections lose their legitimacy and public trust is weakened.
The message must therefore be clear: your vote is your right, your voice and your power. No politician should threaten or pressure you into surrendering it.
Citizens must participate actively in the electoral process and use their votes wisely. They should support candidates with integrity, competence, empathy and good character not individuals whose conduct raises serious doubts about their commitment to democratic values.
Power belongs to the people. Politicians are elected to serve them not to threaten them.
By Festus Edovia, ANIPR, FICM
