A former National Officer of the Labour Party, Kenneth Okonkwo, has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is employing intimidation tactics to disrupt opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. Okonkwo made this claim during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he discussed the challenges faced by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a political party.

According to Okonkwo, the ADC has experienced repeated attacks while holding meetings in several states, including Kaduna, Lagos, and Ekiti. He asserted that these incidents involved thugs who acted under the supervision of security agencies, which he believed were being manipulated by the APC to frustrate opposition parties. This, Okonkwo argued, contradicts the provisions of the Electoral Act, which mandates equal protection for all political parties.

Okonkwo expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects, stating that the party would form the next government. He described the APC as a party that is “already imploding” due to internal issues. The former Labour Party officer attributed the APC’s decline to the party’s reliance on “sycophants” and predicted that the ADC would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.

The allegations of intimidation and manipulation of security institutions are significant, as they raise concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in Nigeria. The Electoral Act is designed to ensure a level playing field for all political parties, and any attempts to undermine this principle could have far-reaching implications for the country’s democracy.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the actions of political parties and security agencies will be closely watched by Nigerians and the international community. The ability of opposition parties to operate freely and participate in the electoral process without interference is crucial to the legitimacy of the elections. Okonkwo’s allegations highlight the need for vigilance and adherence to the principles of democracy to ensure a free and fair electoral process in Nigeria.