National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Interim National Working Committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent steps to address political violence and growing tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gatekeepers News reports that Turaki made the call at a press conference where he expressed concern over what he described as increasing attacks on opposition parties, shrinking political space and the use of the judiciary to influence political affairs.
He warned that the country’s political developments were reminiscent of events that contributed to the collapse of the First and Second Republics, urging the government to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
The PDP chairman accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency of employing tactics aimed at weakening opposition parties through violence, intimidation, political defections and judicial interventions.
He cited attacks on supporters of Peter Obi and the New Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, alleged attempts to disrupt former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign activities in Sokoto, and the reported assault on activist Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State.
Turaki also raised concerns over public confidence in the electoral process, citing Yiaga Africa’s third National Voting Intentions Survey, released on October 7, 2026.
According to him, the survey indicated that 84 per cent of Nigerians were likely to vote, while 61 per cent said fear of violence could discourage them from participating in the elections.
He added that only 34 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible elections, while 63 per cent had little or no confidence in the judiciary’s ability to resolve electoral disputes fairly.
Turaki further questioned the legitimacy of the 2023 presidential election turnout, arguing that President Tinubu secured his mandate with approximately 8.8 million votes out of 93.4 million registered voters.
He warned that the prevailing political atmosphere could further discourage voter participation and undermine confidence in the 2027 elections.
The PDP chairman called on President Tinubu to publicly condemn political violence and ensure the investigation and prosecution of those implicated in attacks on opposition candidates and supporters.
He also urged security agencies to publish a comprehensive election security plan, guarantee the safety of candidates and voters, and ensure equal access to public facilities for all political parties.
Other demands included addressing discrepancies in the voters’ register and ensuring that the judiciary delivers judgments based on the law rather than executive interests.
Turaki, however, urged Nigerians to remain committed to democratic participation and accountability, describing the 2027 general elections as an opportunity to elect leaders who would prioritise the interests of the people.
