EDITORIAL: How Nigeria can end Violence and Bloodshed during Party Primaries

As political parties across Nigeria begin their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, fear is already rising in many states. Sadly, this fear is not new. Over the years, party primaries in Nigeria have become dangerous political battles marked by violence, intimidation, shootings, thuggery and sometimes killings.

Instead of being peaceful democratic exercises where delegates freely choose candidates, primaries often resemble war zones. Supporters clash violently, ballot boxes disappear, political thugs invade venues, and security agencies struggle to contain chaos. In some cases, lives are lost before the main elections even begin.

This ugly trend must stop. No political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. Democracy cannot grow in an atmosphere of fear, violence and lawlessness. If Nigeria truly wants credible elections in 2027, political parties must first conduct peaceful and transparent primaries.

The first step is for political parties to stop treating primaries as “do-or-die” affairs. Many politicians see losing a primary as political death because politics in Nigeria has become heavily tied to money, power and access to government resources. As long as politics remains a desperate struggle for survival and wealth, violence will continue.

Party leaders must therefore promote internal democracy. Delegates should be allowed to vote freely without intimidation or manipulation. Candidates must also accept defeat gracefully instead of mobilising thugs to attack opponents or disrupt the process.

Another major problem is the open use of political thugs. During primaries, armed youths are often hired to scare delegates, snatch materials or attack rival camps. Some politicians even move around with convoys of armed supporters as if preparing for battle.

Security agencies must take a firm stand against this. The police, DSS, NSCDC and other agencies must identify flashpoints early and arrest known troublemakers before violence erupts. There should also be strict enforcement against the carrying of weapons around primary venues.

Equally important is the issue of vote-buying. In many primaries, delegates are openly bribed with huge sums of money. Once money enters the process heavily, tension naturally rises because desperate politicians will do anything to protect their financial investment.

Political parties must introduce stricter monitoring systems. Delegates’ accreditation should be transparent and electronic where possible. Independent observers and media organisations should also be allowed to monitor the process closely.

Party leadership also has a huge responsibility. Many crises begin because party executives manipulate delegates’ lists or secretly impose candidates. Once aspirants feel cheated, anger spreads quickly among supporters and violence becomes likely.

To avoid this, parties must maintain fairness and transparency from the beginning. Clear rules should be followed by everybody, including powerful politicians and governors. If aspirants trust the process, they are more likely to accept the outcome peacefully.

Political language must also change. Too often, politicians use dangerous words that heat up the atmosphere. Statements like “we must win at all costs” or “power must remain with us” encourage supporters to see opponents as enemies instead of fellow party members.

Leaders must preach peace before, during and after primaries. Supporters should understand that politics is a competition, not a war.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups also have important roles to play. They must continue speaking against political violence and advising young people not to allow themselves to be used as tools for destruction.

Most political thugs are unemployed youths who are recruited with small amounts of money. Many end up dead, injured or abandoned after elections, while the politicians move on with their lives. Nigerian youths must realise that no politician values their lives more than personal ambition.

The media also has a responsibility to avoid spreading fake news, provocative reports or unverified election rumours capable of causing panic or violence. Responsible journalism is critical during politically sensitive periods.

INEC, although not directly responsible for party primaries, must also continue putting pressure on political parties to obey electoral laws and democratic principles. Parties that repeatedly conduct violent or fraudulent primaries should face sanctions.

Nigeria cannot continue normalising political violence. Every election season should not become a period of fear, bloodshed and destruction. Democracy is supposed to give citizens choices peacefully, not bury young Nigerians because politicians want power.

As the 2027 election season gathers momentum, political parties have an opportunity to change the ugly narrative. Peaceful primaries will not only strengthen democracy but also improve public confidence in the electoral process.

The real winners in any democracy should not be the loudest thugs or the richest politicians, but the Nigerian people themselves.