Winning Elections by Manu Militari: Is Killing Accord Party Members Self-Defeating?

The concept of "manu militari," Latin for "by military force," is increasingly being employed in Nigerian and African elections, a trend the author describes as a dangerous departure from democratic norms. This method, which implies compelling outcomes through force, brutality, or armed intervention, has become a prevalent technique for political actors seeking victory, often overshadowing the traditional ballot box process.

A stark illustration of this phenomenon is the recent Osun State gubernatorial election. The article points to widespread violence and the killing of Accord Party members during political campaigns preceding the election. Such acts raise serious national security concerns and cast a shadow over the electoral process. When "manu militari" tactics lead to controversy, the disputes are often relegated to the courts, causing delays and necessitating costly re-issuances of voting cards, thereby complicating the path to a legitimate electoral outcome.

Beyond overt force, "manu militari" in contemporary Africa manifests in subtler, yet equally damaging ways. These include coups, prolonged stays in power, constitutional maneuvering, the use of state apparatus to oppress opposition, and influencing electoral bodies to neutralize opponents. The author contends that even after gaining power through ostensibly legitimate means, incumbent leaders often struggle to accept defeat or allow for free and fair elections. This ingrained "manu militari" attitude, present in Africa for a long time, suggests a deep-seated belligerence among politicians when vying for power.

The article specifically criticizes Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi's call for the killing of Accord Party members during his campaign. This incident, it argues, not only jeopardizes national security but also significantly tarnishes the essence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's "Emi l'okan" (it is my turn) political narrative and damages Nigeria's international standing. The pursuit of victory through "manu militari" is seen as undermining Tinubu's image as a proponent of democracy.