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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has condemned the killing of popular Kano political commentator, former journalist and social media influencer, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, the blocking of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State, and the emergence of prohibitive tariffs for political advertising in some states, warning that Nigeria risks slipping into a political culture where intimidation, violence and money determine who can participate effectively significant to democracy.
The CNPP, through its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, described the killing of Dan Shagamu as particularly disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that the death of an outspoken citizen in circumstances suggesting a violent attack must not be treated as an ordinary criminal incident without thoroughly investigating every possible motive.
“Dan Shagamu was a journalist, political commentator and social media influencer, whose main weapon was his voice. He used journalism, political commentary and social media to participate in public discourse and hold political authorities accountable, it said, adding that “his brutal death at his residence in Gaida, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, is therefore deeply disturbing, particularly in light of reports that he had received threats previously.”
According to the CNPP, the arrest of the suspects in connection with the murder by the Kano State Police Command is a welcome initial step, but the investigation must go beyond the identification of the immediate suspects.
The CNPP said the killing should be seen in the broader context of the safety of journalists, political commentators, activists, opposition voices and ordinary citizens participating in Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to the group, democracy is not simply the right to vote every four years. It includes the right to speak, criticize the government, support or oppose political parties, publish opinions, organize, associate with others, and participate in public affairs without fear of assassination or violent reprisal.
The umbrella body of registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria has also condemned the reported obstruction of Peter Obi’s convoy while it was on its way to Yelwata, Benue State, describing the development as another disturbing sign of growing intolerance towards political differences in the country.
“Reports indicate that youths mounted roadblocks along the Makurdi-Gboko road on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, preventing Mr Obi’s convoy from reaching Yelwata, where he was supposed to commiserate with the victims of the 2025 attacks.
“Mr Obi condemned the incident and appealed to young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.
“The Benue State Government has denied its involvement, insisting that it neither sponsored nor deployed thugs to obstruct the former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate. The CNPP recognizes this denial and calls for an impartial investigation rather than premature attribution of responsibility.”
The CNPP said the issue extends beyond Obi, the NDC or any political party.
“It is about whether Nigeria is building a political culture where citizens, parties and candidates can move freely within the federation, engage voters and express their views without intimidation or politically motivated obstacles.
“Democracy cannot survive where political affiliation limits movement, opponents are treated as enemies of the state, or access to communities is controlled by political actors.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. No party or government has ownership rights over any part of the federation.
“The CNPP therefore urges security agencies to investigate the Benue incident, identify those who set up the checkpoint and establish whether any political actor or official sponsored, facilitated or condoned the action.”
The CNPP warned that the incidents in Kano and Benue should not be seen in isolation from the broader political context emerging ahead of the 2027 elections.
The CNPP therefore expressed concern about reports that some states had introduced extremely high tariffs for political billboards and outdoor campaign advertisements.
“Recent reports indicate that Cross River would set ₦150 million for presidential campaign advertisements and ₦100 million for governorship advertisements, while Kogi would approve a presidential billboard fee of ₦150 million. Enugu would also require an advertising permit of ₦150 million for political parties and candidates.
“The CNPP recognizes the legitimate authority of state governments to regulate outdoor advertising, maintain public aesthetics and enforce reasonable standards of signage. However, such powers must not become tools to exclude Nigerian citizens, smaller parties and less wealthy candidates from electoral participation.
“A democracy in which only candidates supported by huge financial warfare funds can communicate effectively with voters is not an equal opportunity democracy.”
The CNPP said excessive advertising spending on election campaigns could encourage the politics of money over expertise.
“The CNPP calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), state signage and publicity agencies, political parties, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to urgently examine the cumulative effect of these allegations on the competitiveness of the 2027 elections.
“There must be clarity regarding their legal basis, calculation, payment, treatment as election expenditure for campaign finance reporting and whether their application is truly neutral between parties and candidates.”
The CNPP stressed that political competition must be based on ideas and the ability to convince voters, not on who can afford the highest fare, command the most political thugs or intimidate the loudest opposition voices.
The CNPP said the ultimate consequence of limiting political participation could extend well beyond the 2027 elections.
“When competent citizens are discouraged from running for office because they cannot afford political participation, the country loses potentially capable leaders.
“When campaigns are dominated by money, candidates may prioritize donors over voters.
“When opponents are stymied, intimidated, or denied access to communities, voters lose the opportunity to hear opposing ideas.
“When journalists and commentators fear that their political views will make them targets, public discourse is impoverished.
“And when voters are denied authentic choices, democracy is reduced to periodic elections without meaningful competition.”
The CNPP therefore called for an electoral environment in 2027 where every candidate, regardless of party, wealth or political status, can campaign peacefully and legally across Nigeria.
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