Whoever Defeats Tinubu in 2027 Must Be Ready to Face Thugs, Nigerians Warn

As Nigeria slowly inches toward the 2027 general elections, conversations across the nation are heating up and so are the warnings. A growing number of citizens and political observers are voicing concerns that any candidate who dares to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the polls must be prepared to face not just political resistance, but also a wave of street-level aggression.

On social media, in town hall discussions, and across local radio stations, a common theme is emerging: the fear of thuggery and political violence.

“Anyone planning to defeat Tinubu in 2027 should first be ready to fight thugs, not just win votes,” said activist and community leader, Alhaji Sule Musa, during a political forum in Kaduna. “We’ve seen how politics is played in this country it’s not always about the ballot box.”

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This sentiment comes amid past reports of alleged voter intimidation and electoral violence in several parts of the country during the 2023 elections. Many of those incidents were blamed on loyalists acting on behalf of powerful political figures.

While Tinubu has repeatedly distanced himself from any form of political violence, critics say his rise to power was backed by a strong grassroots machinery that includes individuals capable of influencing events far beyond the campaign stage.

Political analyst Dr. Zainab Bello told Dobblog, “2027 won’t be a normal election. If a strong opposition emerges, the battle won’t just be at the polling units. It will also be on the streets, in neighborhoods, and in places where democracy is supposed to be safe.”

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With early political positioning already underway, concerns are rising over how far candidates and their supporters will go to gain or retain power. Civil society groups are calling on security agencies and electoral officials to take proactive steps to prevent violence, protect voters, and ensure a free and fair contest.

As Nigeria watches and waits, one thing is becoming clear whoever plans to unseat Tinubu in 2027 may not just need votes; they may also need courage.

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