A former senatorial candidate for Kwara Central, Busari Shaamsuddeen Akande, has called on political leaders to embrace issue-based campaigns and abandon intimidation and violence ahead of future elections.
Akande warned that the growing use of political thuggery, economic coercion and the alleged weaponisation of state institutions against opponents posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The public affairs commentator, who contested the 2019 Kwara Central senatorial seat under the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party, ANRP, said political intimidation was increasingly becoming an instrument for gaining and retaining power.
In a statement issued in Calabar, he titled “The Silent Assassin of Democracy: Confronting Political Terrorism and Intimidation Before It Consumes Our Future,” Akande argued that electoral violence was no longer limited to attacks on polling units and ballot-box snatching.
He identified threats against voters, harassment of political opponents, and economic pressure on civil servants and business owners as other forms of intimidation capable of undermining democratic participation.
According to him, the growing climate of fear could discourage credible citizens from participating in politics and drive voters away from the electoral process.
He warned that allowing political violence to thrive could gradually hand political leadership to individuals who rely on coercion rather than ideas and competence.
Akande also cautioned that youths recruited as political enforcers during election periods could later become security threats, contributing to kidnapping, banditry and communal unrest.
He called on security agencies to remain neutral, while urging the judiciary and electoral authorities to ensure the prosecution of electoral offenders and their sponsors.
The former senatorial candidate further urged political leaders across party lines to prioritise peaceful political engagement, issue-based campaigns and respect for democratic institutions.
He maintained that no political ambition was worth endangering the lives and safety of citizens.