Amnesty International has urged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate alleged threatening comments by the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Eze Paul Ituma, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The human rights organisation said the comments, contained in a video it reviewed, could intimidate political opponents and undermine citizens’ freedom to participate in the electoral process.
Ituma, according to Amnesty International, warned people he believed were working against the interests of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying those who opposed him could be declared “persona non grata” in Ohaukwu.
He was also quoted as saying: “Anyone who wants to put sand in my garri (not vote for APC) should not come close to Ohaukwu.”
In another portion of the video, the council chairman reportedly said politics was his only business.
“I have no shop at the International Market, I have no other business. My only business is politics, and anybody who wants to put sand in my garri should not come near Ohaukwu,” he said.
Ituma was further quoted as describing anyone opposed to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru as an enemy of the state who would be treated as such.
Reacting to the remarks, Amnesty International described them as unacceptable, warning that political rhetoric of such nature could restrict freedom of association and participation in elections.
The organisation said no government official or politician had the right to prevent citizens from living or participating in political activities in their community merely because they supported an opposition party or refused to vote for the APC.
Amnesty said the statements were particularly concerning as the country approaches the 2027 elections, when citizens should be able to freely choose their preferred political parties and candidates without intimidation.
It therefore called on the police to establish the circumstances surrounding the remarks and take appropriate action if they constitute a criminal offence.
The organisation also urged the Ebonyi State Government to strengthen protection for political parties, candidates, supporters and voters against threats and violence.
“Everyone must be free to support, campaign for and vote for the candidate or party of their choice. Authorities must act now to protect this right,” Amnesty International said.
The rights group stressed that authorities should act proactively to prevent political threats from escalating into violence as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
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