An Enugu-based cleric, Prophet Malachy Nwedo, has sparked controversy after urging young Nigerians to arm themselves and confront anyone attempting to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
Nwedo made the remarks while addressing members of his congregation during a church programme, where he encouraged eligible voters to resist ballot box snatching and electoral malpractice.
In a statement that has attracted public attention, the cleric reportedly told his congregation that even those without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) should carry sticks to polling centres.
He said: “Election is approaching now. If you don’t have PVC, carry 2 by 2 stick and go to the voting centre. Anyone that comes to rig, smash it on them.”
The remarks have raised concerns about the possibility of electoral violence as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
NWEDO WARNS ENUGU GOVERNOR OVER PETER OBI
The cleric also directed a warning at Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, over his comments concerning the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.
Nwedo reportedly cautioned the governor against criticising Obi, suggesting that doing so could affect his chances of securing re-election in 2027.
He further claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could lose Enugu State if the governor continued making statements against the former Anambra State governor.
The cleric’s comments come amid growing political discussions and realignments ahead of the next general elections.
KEYAMO WARNS NIGERIANS AGAINST TAKING UP ARMS
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has cautioned Nigerians against resorting to violence under the guise of protecting their votes.
In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Keyamo criticised politicians who allegedly encourage ordinary citizens to engage in electoral violence while keeping their own children away from dangerous situations.
The minister argued that young Nigerians should not be encouraged to risk their lives in political confrontations while those making such calls remain in safety.
He also recalled former President Muhammadu Buhari’s warning ahead of the 2019 general elections, which emphasised that security agencies would take decisive action against individuals involved in ballot box snatching and electoral violence.
Keyamo maintained that anyone who takes up dangerous weapons and attacks others in the name of protecting election results could face lawful action from security operatives.
He warned that electoral participation must not become an excuse for violence or attacks against political opponents and other citizens.
PETER OBI ALSO SPEAKS AGAINST INTIMIDATION
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has also recently warned against attempts to intimidate his supporters or manipulate the 2027 electoral process.
Obi urged his supporters to campaign peacefully across the country, while cautioning those allegedly harassing members of his political movement.
He stressed that his preference for peaceful political engagement should not be mistaken for weakness.
The former Anambra governor also reaffirmed his intention to campaign across different states and senatorial districts ahead of the election.
2027 ELECTIONS APPROACH AMID CONCERNS OVER POLITICAL VIOLENCE
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are expected to take place on February 6, 2027.
With political activities gathering momentum, concerns are growing over inflammatory statements, voter intimidation and the possibility of violence during the electoral process.
The latest comments by Nwedo and Keyamo have further drawn attention to the responsibility of political leaders, religious figures and other influential personalities to discourage violence.
Nigerians are expected to exercise their democratic rights peacefully, while any concerns about electoral malpractice should be addressed through lawful procedures and the appropriate electoral institutions.
No political ambition, party interest or electoral disagreement should be allowed to put the lives of ordinary Nigerians at risk.
