Femi Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer, has called on the President Bola Tinubu administration to prosecute the sponsors of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawyer warned that the state must act decisively to protect lives and enforce electoral laws to prevent a recurrence of the chaos seen in previous election cycles. He argued that the current administration must ensure that those funding or orchestrating violence are held accountable.
Falana emphasised that justice must be applied without regard to the political connections or social status of the offenders. His demand for accountability was part of calls for the government to prosecute those funding electoral violence to ensure a peaceful democratic process.
Enforcement of electoral laws
In his statement, Falana noted that the state has a fundamental duty to protect its citizens during the electoral period. He stated that as the 2027 elections approach, the government must move beyond the arrest of low-level perpetrators and instead target the high-profile individuals who finance political thugs.
“As the 2027 elections approach, the State must protect lives, enforce electoral laws and punish those who sponsor or perpetrate political violence, irrespective of status or political connections,” Falana said.
The call comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with the legacies of electoral instability. Previous election cycles have frequently been marred by voter suppression, intimidation, and physical violence, often funded by political actors seeking to gain an unfair advantage.
Legal experts argue that the failure to prosecute the masterminds behind these acts creates a culture of impunity. This culture allows wealthy and politically connected individuals to use violence as a tool for political mobilization without fear of legal consequences.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various security agencies are expected to face increased scrutiny over their ability to maintain order. While security forces often deploy heavily during election periods, Falana’s position suggests that the focus should shift towards the financial and organizational architects of violence rather than just the actors on the ground.
The Tinubu administration has yet to provide a specific roadmap for how the government intends to address the sponsorship of political violence in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
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