Toxic politics has steadily infiltrated Nigeria’s democratic landscape, distorting what should be a noble contest of ideas into a theatre of hostility. Democracy is sustained by debate, persuasion, and lawful competition, yet it begins to erode when intolerance replaces reason. When political actors and their supporters treat opponents as enemies to be subdued rather than rivals to be challenged, the nation’s stability is placed at risk. A democracy cannot mature in an atmosphere saturated with bitterness.
This disturbing pattern was recently illustrated by the reported attack on Peter Obi in Benin City, Edo State. A political engagement that ought to have been peaceful was reportedly disrupted by gunfire, causing panic and fear among supporters. Regardless of political affiliation, such an occurrence is alarming. It reflects the dangerous trajectory of a political culture that is increasingly marked by confrontation rather than constructive engagement.
The attack warrants clear and unequivocal condemnation. Violence has no place in democratic practice. No level of disagreement, however intense, can justify intimidation or aggression against a political figure. When an individual seeking to participate in civic life becomes a target of violence, the entire democratic framework is undermined. It sends a chilling signal that public service and political involvement carry unacceptable risks.
Beyond the immediate shock, the incident exposes the corrosive effects of inflammatory rhetoric and entrenched political animosity. Toxic politics often takes root in words that demean and delegitimise opponents. Over time, persistent hostility can embolden misguided actors to translate verbal aggression into physical confrontation. Political leaders therefore carry a profound responsibility to temper their language and discourage any form of extremism among their supporters.
Condemnation must also be matched with decisive action. Security agencies are duty bound to investigate thoroughly and ensure accountability for any act of political violence. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The rule of law is the bedrock of democratic society, and failure to uphold it encourages impunity. When perpetrators are held accountable, it reinforces the principle that violence will never be tolerated as a political instrument.
Nigeria’s history offers sobering reminders of how quickly political tensions can escalate if left unchecked. Electoral cycles should be periods of heightened civic engagement, not seasons of fear. Leaders across party lines must recommit to issue based campaigns that focus on policies, governance, and national development. Mutual respect among political actors is not a sign of weakness but an affirmation of democratic maturity.
The events in Benin City should serve as a solemn warning to all stakeholders. Toxic politics, if allowed to fester, can fracture national unity and derail democratic progress. Nigeria must choose a different path, one defined by civility, restraint, and unwavering commitment to lawful conduct. Political competition should inspire hope and vision, not anxiety and violence. Only through deliberate and collective effort can the nation prevent its politics from descending further into toxicity.
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