Outrage as Pro-APC TikTok User Threatens Opposition Campaigns in Edo State
A viral video posted by a TikTok user identified as @nominddem has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across Nigeria’s political and civic space, after the user made incendiary comments threatening violence against any political party other than the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the video, the speaker warned that no opposition party would be allowed to campaign or display banners in the state, declaring Edo to be an APC stronghold. He issued a direct threat, saying:
“2027, if we see any other political party, banner or picture apart from APC, for Edo, the person wey dem draw for that banner and the people wey dey gum am, they go learn new thing that very day.”
The speaker went on to reference events from the 2023 election cycle, accusing Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki of ordering the removal and destruction of APC campaign materials.
“2023, una see wetin Obaseki do for this state. Even when they hang Tinubu banner with other APC, una see wetin Obaseki do for this state. Dem drop all the bannners, dem tear all APC banners,” the user alleged, implying that retaliation in 2027 would be swift and severe.
The inflammatory rhetoric, which many have described as incitement to political violence, has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups, political commentators, and social media users. Human rights advocates say the statements represent a dangerous escalation in political intolerance and threaten Nigeria’s democratic values, particularly the right to political association and peaceful campaigning.
Several commentators have also warned that such threats could provoke unrest, especially in a politically sensitive state like Edo, which has historically been a battleground between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In past elections, tensions between supporters of both parties have often led to clashes, destruction of property, and heightened security alerts.
Legal analysts suggest that the video may amount to criminal intimidation under Nigerian law, and have called on relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to investigate the user behind the account and ensure that inflammatory rhetoric is addressed before it escalates into real-world violence.
As of the time of this report, neither the APC national leadership nor the Edo State chapter of the party had officially responded to the video. Similarly, there has been no word yet from law enforcement regarding any action taken.
The video has reignited conversations about the urgent need for political education, digital accountability, and pre-election peacebuilding efforts, especially as Nigeria heads into another high-stakes electoral cycle.
