Stop Political Vandalism Before It Sets Oyo State Ablaze | Adebisi Adeyemo

As Nigeria moves towards another election year, the destruction of opposition campaign billboards, posters and signboards should concern every responsible citizen. What may begin as political mischief can quickly degenerate into intimidation, retaliation, criminal prosecution and loss of innocent lives.

We must not allow political desperation to destroy the peace we have collectively enjoyed.

Oyo State has witnessed controversies over the destruction of campaign materials in previous elections.

The experience of 2022, when allegations of billboard vandalism resulted in criminal proceedings, remains a warning that such conduct may lead perpetrators from the political arena into the courtroom.

Political loyalty is not a defence to criminal conduct, and no individual should assume that association with a powerful politician guarantees protection from the law.

DANGERS WE MUST NOT IGNORE:

• An Attack on Democracy: Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, protect freedom of expression and association. Destroying lawfully
displayed campaign materials undermines the exercise of these democratic rights.

• A Gateway to Political Violence: Vandalism breeds anger, retaliation and confrontation. One destroyed billboard can trigger a chain of events that threatens lives and public safety.
• ⁠Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits threats of force or violence intended to influence political support during campaigns.

• Criminal Prosecution and Imprisonment: Under Section 97(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, a person convicted of prohibited campaign threats may face a fine of up to ₦5 million or imprisonment for 12 months. Political parties may also face substantial fines. Unlawful destruction of property may separately attract criminal charges under applicable laws, including
the Criminal Code Law of Oyo State.

These offences depend on the particular conduct and evidence.
• Financial and Civil Liability: Perpetrators may be required to compensate victims for damaged
campaign materials and other legally recoverable losses. The financial consequences of political misconduct can outlive the election itself.

• Loss of Confidence in Government: Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution identifies the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government. When political intimidation is
tolerated, citizens begin to question the fairness and effectiveness of public institutions.

• Destruction of Our Democratic Future: When young Nigerians see violence rewarded or tolerated, they may wrongly conclude that political success depends on intimidation rather than competence, integrity and service.

Governor Seyi Makinde, as the Chief Executive of Oyo State, has an important responsibility to promote peace, lawful political competition and public confidence. This equally extends to opposition leaders and their supporters. No political group should intimidate another or destroy its lawfully displayed campaign materials.

Section 96(5) of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits political parties, aspirants and candidates from organizing or equipping groups for physical force or coercion in pursuit of political objectives.
Political leaders must therefore discourage unlawful conduct and ensure that political competition remains peaceful.

All pastors, imams, traditional rulers, community leaders, parents, youth organizations, civil society groups and the media must intervene before tensions escalate. Religious leaders must use their moral authority to preach peace, restraint, tolerance and respect for human life. Parents must caution their children against becoming instruments of political violence.

Security agencies – the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) must act swiftly, investigate complaints promptly, act without political bias and ensure that anyone found culpable faces appropriate
legal consequences. Political parties must also discipline members who engage in intimidation or destruction.

Must we wait until a destroyed billboard becomes a burnt vehicle? Must we wait until political disagreement produces injured citizens, bereaved families and public disorder before taking action? The
time to prevent violence is now, not after lives have been lost.

Political parties will come and go. Governors will complete their terms. Elections will be won and lost.
But Oyo State will remain our common home, and Nigeria our collective responsibility.

Let political leaders compete through ideas, achievements and policies. Let supporters defend their candidates through persuasion, not destruction. Let government protect every citizen without discrimination.

The ballot box must decide our political future, not intimidation, vandalism or violence.

OYO STATE FIRST! NIGERIA FIRST! PEACE ABOVE POLITICS!

“The law is clear, the consequences are real, and ignorance is no defence. Let all political actors, their supporters and other stakeholders govern themselves accordingly.”

Adebisi Adeyemo, a lawyer, writes from Canada.