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Nigeria must not be allowed to repeat the mistakes of its past.
Today, I addressed the press on the growing concerns surrounding the survival of democracy in Nigeria, the shrinking political space, attacks on opposition figures, declining public confidence in electoral institutions and the urgent need to protect the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
Our history offers us important lessons. The collapse of the First and Second Republics reminds us that democracy cannot survive where opposition voices are suppressed, political competition is replaced with intimidation, and the institutions entrusted with protecting the people’s mandate lose public confidence.
As George Santayana famously observed, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
I am deeply concerned about the prevailing political atmosphere. Reports of attacks on opposition politicians and supporters, restrictions on campaign activities, threats against voters and the increasing resort to judicial processes in political disputes demand urgent attention.
Democracy is not about eliminating the opposition. It is not about monopolising political power or using the instruments of state to frustrate political competition. It is about freedom, fairness, tolerance, accountability and the right of citizens to freely choose their leaders.
The findings attributed to Yiaga Africa’s National Voting Intentions Survey (NVIS 3.0), released on 7 October 2026, are particularly concerning. With 61% of respondents indicating that fear of violence could discourage them from voting, and only 34% expressing confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct credible elections, we cannot afford to treat these warning signs lightly.
Let me make one thing clear: You may force an electoral outcome, but you cannot force the hearts and minds of the people. You may win an election on paper, but lose the country in the process.
There are two elections every government must contest: the election for political office and the election for the hearts and minds of the people. The latter is won through good governance, trust, accountability and respect for citizens.
To reduce the political temperature, I have called for five urgent actions:
1. President Tinubu must publicly condemn political violence and ensure that all those responsible for attacks on opposition candidates and supporters are investigated and prosecuted.
2. Security agencies must publish a comprehensive election security plan and guarantee the safety of all candidates, rallies and voters, irrespective of political affiliation.
3. Governments at all levels must stop denying opposition parties access to public facilities and end threats and intimidation against voters.
4. INEC must urgently address discrepancies and questionable inclusions in the voters’ register.
5. The judiciary must remain independent and dispense justice strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law, free from political interference.
My message to Nigerians is simple: Do not surrender to fear. Do not surrender your democratic rights. Do not allow political intimidation to silence your voice.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to any political party or individual. Our democracy must be protected, our institutions must be respected, and the people’s mandate must remain supreme.
The 2027 elections present another opportunity to shape the future of our country. We must insist on a process that is peaceful, credible, transparent and reflective of the genuine will of Nigerians.
To those in positions of authority, I say: there is still time to change course. There is still time to demonstrate statesmanship and place Nigeria above partisan interests.
The country is boiling. Let us not add fuel to the fire. Let us reduce the temperature before it is too late.
Power is temporary. Political offices are temporary. But Nigeria must endure.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN
National Chairman, Interim National Working Committee
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
#TheCountryIsBoiling #ReduceTheTemperature #ProtectOurDemocracy #Nigeria2027 #PDP.
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