A man identified as Alhaji Banga, who says he is from Lapai town in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has come under scrutiny after a video circulated online in which he allegedly threatened violence against people opposing or criticising Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
In the video, which was circulated ahead of the upcoming political campaign season, Banga warned perceived opponents of the governor against challenging supporters of Bago, popularly known as Farmer Bago.
He also challenged political opponents to disclose their locations, while stating that he was speaking from Lapai and openly identifying where he could be found.
Banga further directed his remarks at individuals seeking to contest the Niger State governorship, telling those intending to challenge Bago to be prepared to confront his supporters.
The comments have raised concerns among residents over the potential for inflammatory political rhetoric to escalate into intimidation or violence during the political season.
A resident who reacted to the video called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Niger State Police Command to investigate the remarks and determine whether any offence had been committed.
The resident described the alleged threats as serious and urged the authorities to take appropriate action rather than allow threats of violence to go unexamined.
The resident also questioned whether Governor Bago was aware of the statements or had authorised anyone to intimidate citizens because of their political views.
There is, however, no indication in the report that Governor Bago authorised or endorsed the alleged threats, and no response from the governor or his representatives to the allegations was provided in the material reviewed.
The development comes amid broader concerns over inflammatory political statements in Nigeria as political activities intensify. Similar controversies involving political figures and supporters have recently prompted calls for restraint and intervention by security agencies.
Under Nigeria's democratic system, citizens have the right to support or oppose political candidates and parties. Political disagreements are expected to be expressed through lawful and peaceful means.
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