Democracy does not begin to die only when elections are rigged. Sometimes, the warning signs appear much earlier, when citizens begin to fear the consequences of openly supporting the candidates of their choice.
This is why reports of political violence in Anambra State deserve more than a passing mention. They demand serious public attention, impartial investigation, and a clear commitment to protecting the democratic rights of every citizen.
Recently, reports emerged of an attack on the campaign team of Chief Nnamdi Ifebi, popularly known as Onwa Idemili, the ADC House of Representatives candidate for Idemili North and South.
According to accounts of the incident, members of his campaign team were allegedly harassed and blocked on the road. Empowerment materials intended for members of the community were reportedly scattered and taken away. Some beneficiaries were said to have been beaten, while a campaign vehicle was vandalised and valuable items belonging to members of the team were reportedly taken.
These are serious allegations. They must not be treated lightly, nor should anyone be presumed guilty without a proper investigation.
Of equal concern are reports that similar incidents had occurred before this latest episode. If these accounts are substantiated, they raise an important question: are we witnessing isolated acts of political hostility, or is a more troubling pattern beginning to emerge?
That question must be answered through evidence, not speculation.
I will not speculate about the identities or motives of those involved. The responsibility for establishing the facts rests with the relevant authorities. They must investigate thoroughly, identify anyone responsible, and ensure that the law takes its proper course without fear or favour.
But beyond the immediate incident lies a much larger concern.
What happens to a democracy when the right to choose becomes a source of fear?
What happens when citizens who attend political gatherings, support candidates, or participate in community empowerment activities begin to worry about their personal safety?
And what happens when acts of intimidation are dismissed as ordinary political rivalry rather than recognised as matters requiring serious investigation?
These are not questions for one political party alone. They concern the future of our democracy and the safety of our communities.
Electoral violence is a monster. It rarely announces the full extent of its danger at the beginning. It may start with threats, intimidation, or isolated acts of aggression. When such conduct is tolerated, it risks creating an atmosphere in which increasingly dangerous behaviour becomes normalised.
Where credible allegations are ignored and established wrongdoing goes unpunished, those responsible may come to believe that intimidation is an acceptable instrument of political competition.
That is how a dangerous situation can grow beyond the control of those who initially dismiss it.
The consequences extend far beyond the immediate victims. Political violence can discourage participation, deepen divisions within communities, undermine public confidence in democratic institutions, and turn political disagreements into enduring hostility.
Eventually, the damage reaches people who have no direct involvement in the original dispute.
That is why the monster must be confronted before it grows beyond control.
I therefore call on the Nigeria Police Force and other competent security agencies to investigate the reported incident thoroughly and impartially. Any individual found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law.
INEC must also discharge its responsibilities within the electoral framework, while political party leaders, traditional institutions, and the Anambra State Government should use their respective positions to encourage peaceful political engagement, discourage intimidation, and support lawful efforts to protect public safety.
The time to act is before another incident occurs, not after the consequences become more severe.
This is not a call for retaliation. It is a call for justice.
It is not an invitation to deepen political divisions. It is a demand that political differences be resolved through lawful and democratic means.
And it is certainly not a demand for special protection for one political party. Every candidate, campaign worker, supporter, and citizen deserves equal protection under the law, irrespective of political affiliation.
As Anambra State approaches the 2027 electoral cycle, the responsibility to protect peaceful political participation must be taken seriously. Candidates must be free to present their programmes. Supporters must be free to associate with the political parties of their choice. Citizens must be able to participate in the democratic process without fear of intimidation or violence.
These are essential conditions for a credible and peaceful electoral process.
No political ambition is worth the destruction of our communities. No electoral victory can justify the violation of another citizen’s fundamental rights.
And no society should wait for tragedy before recognising the danger of allowing political violence to take root.
We must reject the idea that intimidation is simply part of politics. It is not.
Politics should be a contest of ideas, leadership, character, and service to the people. Where disagreements arise, the answer must be dialogue, lawful engagement, and respect for the rights of others.
The monster of electoral violence does not belong to one political party, and its consequences will not stop at the boundaries of any party.
If we allow it to grow, we may eventually discover that nobody is beyond its reach.
The future of our democracy depends not only on how we conduct our elections, but also on what we are prepared to defend before those elections arrive.
Let us choose peace over intimidation, justice over impunity, and the rule of law over political violence.
The time to act is now, before the monster consumes us all.
LINUS ANAGBOSO
(BIGPEN)
Publicity secretary
Head of Media and Strategic Communications African Democratic Congress (ADC), Anambra State
