‘Go to Polls with Bottles of Kerosene, Defend Your Votes,’ Galadima Tells Voters

The Punch reports on deeply concerning remarks made by Buba Galadima, a prominent figure within Nigeria's New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). At a recent stakeholders' meeting, Galadima issued a provocative call to action for the 2027 general elections, urging citizens to arm themselves with "bottles and jerry cans of kerosene" when heading to polling units.

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Salvaging a country from the hands of fascists like this is not an easy thing. It needs sacrifice, strategy and the use of the internet. So, ladies and gentlemen, be prepared to be in the trenches to safeguard our freedom. Let no one deceive you that it is going to be an easy task.

Galadima's inflammatory rhetoric framed the upcoming elections as a "revolution" necessary to "salvage a country from the hands of fascists." He implored supporters to defend their votes "at all costs," suggesting a willingness to engage in extreme measures if necessary. The NNPP chieftain also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating plans to stifle opposition, citing alleged legal and procedural hurdles designed to frustrate parties like the African Democratic Congress.

These comments have understandably ignited outrage, particularly given the sensitive political climate in Nigeria. The call to bring flammable liquids to polling stations is being widely interpreted as a veiled threat of violence or arson, raising serious questions about the commitment to democratic processes. Such language from a senior political figure risks inciting unrest and undermining public confidence in the electoral system.

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And during the elections, whether I am alive or dead, go to the polling centres with your bottles and jerry cans of kerosene. Either they do what is right, or we all die there. So there will be no beneficiary.

Galadima's statements come at a time of heightened political tension and strategic realignments among opposition parties seeking to challenge the incumbent APC. While the opposition explores coalition strategies, rhetoric like Galadima's injects a dangerous element into the political discourse, potentially overshadowing substantive policy debates and focusing attention on threats rather than solutions.

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To any clever man, you should have known that a booby trap was set for ADC at the Supreme Court.