While the elections and other politicking have occurred in various parts of the country, Kogi state is gearing up for its governorship election scheduled on 11th November 2023. Kogi state has become a usual spot for election violence. Over the years, the pre-election environment in the state has often been characterised by fierce rhetoric, threats of violence and actual incidents of violence. The state is caught in the web of crisis types ranging from political violence to terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, cultism and identity-related fatal feuds.
In Nextier’s publication titled “Nigeria’s 2023 State elections: Mirroring hotspot States” amongst the states with potential for electoral violence, Kogi state made the list based on historical evidence and the existing security situation in the state. In the presidential and national assembly elections held on 25th February 2023, the interference of thugs in areas like Anyigba and Dekina led to the threat of cancellation of the polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Kogi state recorded four incidents with two casualties and 11 kidnaps in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, according to the Nextier Violent Conflict Database. With the exacerbated security situation of banditry and farmer-herder conflicts already on the ground, political violence has begun with the most recent act of violence among political parties, security forces and thugs as actors. The attack on Governor Yahaya Bello’s convoy by gunmen along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway revealed that the gunmen were political thugs from the opposition camp. Beyond this incident, violence is a concern as the possibility and likelihood of reprisal attacks further heighten tensions in the polity, and the security situation remains worrisome.
The use of political thugs and security officials has often characterised the Nigerian political landscape. It has been recorded across the country, and the build-up to the Kogi gubernatorial elections has begun to play out with the most recent incident. Political persecution by opposition blocs has also characterised the state over the years. Appeals have followed the violent incidents in the state, seeking intervention from the federal government to maintain law and order. However, political blocs must be reminded of the importance of peaceful elections and the need to avoid violence. The cost of electoral violence, purportedly sponsored by politicians, must be emphasised. Furthermore, addressing the high levels of youth unemployment can help reduce the number of young people vulnerable to being recruited as political thugs.
