Members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) have expressed growing concern over Nigeria’s security situation and the possibility of escalating political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that rising political tensions could threaten public safety and democratic participation.
The concerns followed the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing a woman wielding a cutlass after an alleged attack on members of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Lagos.
The incident, reportedly involving suspected supporters of a rival political party, triggered an extensive discussion among members of the media association on the Forum’s WhatsApp platform.
Reacting to the development, DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, warned that the months leading to the 2027 elections could be particularly challenging for the country.
“We are in for tough rides come January and February 2027,” Enebeli wrote, expressing apprehension over the emerging political atmosphere.
His warning attracted reactions from members, who expressed fears that political disagreements, intimidation and attacks on opposition supporters could worsen the country’s already troubling security challenges if urgent measures were not taken.
The Forum’s Vice Chairman, Chukwudi Abiandu, described the development as disturbing, expressing hope that the situation would not degenerate into wider violence.
“Unfortunately, I hope it does not degenerate,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Odili Ogochukwu expressed his displeasure on what he perceived as an increasingly confrontational disposition among supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, drawing comparisons with the political movement associated with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“Why the attacks on the NDC-Obidient Movement and Rabiu Kwankwaso? The beauty of democracy is the freedom of association, which also includes supporting a political party, whether the ruling party or the opposition. The attacks on the oppositions here and there is sad. It calls for concern,” Odili commented.
Celestine Ukah also suggested that the prevailing political atmosphere could provoke increasingly hostile reactions, warning that the situation was already deteriorating.
The Secretary of the Forum, Shedrack Onitsha, expressed concern over the possibility of opposition supporters resorting to self-defence against political intimidation.
“It takes madness to cure madness! NDC members are fully prepared for APC thugs, sadly, NDC now has more deadly thugs than APC,” Onitsha stated.
His comments reflected his personal assessment of the situation and were not independently established accounts of the alleged attack or the identities of those involved.
In a more extensive contribution, Austin Azu criticised the perceived silence of political leaders over attacks on opposition supporters, warning that failure to condemn political intimidation could encourage further violence.
He argued that the country’s democratic institutions and security agencies must demonstrate greater commitment to protecting citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Azu maintained that the Federal Government should ensure that reported political attacks are thoroughly investigated and those found culpable prosecuted to discourage further incidents.
He also expressed concern about the implications of political violence for younger Nigerians, warning that the normalisation of intimidation and assaults could undermine the country’s democratic future.
“This is not the democracy we fought for, nor the country we envisioned. I am deeply worried and emotional about the future of my generation, especially those who seem unconcerned about the dangers threatening the very democracy that should protect their future,” he said.
Recalling the position repeatedly expressed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, Azuh stressed that no political ambition should be worth the loss of human life.
“As President Goodluck Jonathan would always remind us, no election is worth the blood of any Nigerian. Political ambition must never be placed above human life, peace and the sanctity of our democracy,” he added.
The discussion also extended to the conduct of security agencies, particularly the police, with Abiandu criticising the Delta State Police Command over what he described as its handling of emerging political developments.
He alleged that the command’s attitude raised questions about its commitment to addressing political intimidation, describing its leadership as a disappointment.
The allegation represented Abiandu’s personal opinion, and no independent evidence was presented during the discussion to establish police complicity in any political attack. No response from the Delta State Police Command was contained in the exchange.
Amid the concerns, Azuh posed a question reflecting the anxiety among members over the country’s political future: “Who will help us?”
Responding, Abiandu drew inspiration from biblical teachings, expressing confidence that divine intervention could provide hope in periods of uncertainty.
He cited Psalm 37:33 and Job 8:20, emphasising the importance of integrity, justice and the belief that wrongdoing would not ultimately prevail.
Abiandu also recalled the military dictatorship of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, drawing a comparison with the atmosphere of fear and political repression that characterised the period.
He maintained that no political leader, regardless of influence or security arrangements, was beyond divine authority.
The conversation took another dimension when the Forum’s Treasurer, Joe Ogbodu, shared a separate video circulating online, purportedly showing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, being confronted by Nigerians during a visit to Chatham House in London.
The footage, which was circulated with claims that the electoral chief had been disgraced, allegedly showed Nigerians demanding explanations over developments in the country and calling for accountability from the electoral umpire.
A voice accompanying the recording claimed that Nigerian youths had challenged the INEC Chairman to address their concerns, while another statement in the video declared, “A new Nigeria is possible. This is just testing the microphone.”
The video further broadened the discussion to include public expectations of electoral transparency, institutional accountability and confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
Overall, the exchanges highlighted growing apprehension among members of the media community over the intersection of insecurity and political tension, particularly the danger that attacks, threats and retaliatory confrontations could undermine peaceful political participation.
The discussions also reinforced the need for political parties and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, while security agencies must remain professional, impartial and proactive in responding to threats to public order.
As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, the responsibility for preventing political violence rests not only with political actors but also with government authorities, security institutions and electoral bodies.
The protection of lives, freedom of association and the right of citizens to participate in political activities without fear must remain paramount.
Although it remains uncertain whether the fears expressed by the DOPF Chairman will materialise, the concerns raised by members underscore the urgency of addressing insecurity, political intolerance and the growing threat of violence before they develop into a wider national crisis.
