The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has condemned the killing of popular Kano-based political commentator, former journalist and social media influencer, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, the reported blockade of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in Benue State, and the emergence of prohibitive political advertising charges in some states, warning that Nigeria risks sliding into a political culture where intimidation, violence and money determine who can participate meaningfully in 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 principal weapon was his voice. He used journalism, political commentary and social media to participate in public discourse and hold political authorities accountable, he said, adding that, “his brutal death at his residence in Gaida, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State is therefore deeply disturbing, particularly against the background of reports that he had previously received threats.”
According to the CNPP, the Kano State Police Command’s arrest of suspects in connection with the killing is a welcome initial step, but the investigation must go beyond identifying immediate suspects.
The CNPP said the killing should be viewed within 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 merely the right to vote every four years. It includes the right to speak, criticise government, support or oppose political parties, publish opinions, organise, 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 also condemned the reported obstruction of Peter Obi’s convoy while travelling to Yelwata in Benue State, describing the development as another disturbing indication of the growing intolerance of political differences in the country.
“Reports indicate that youths mounted roadblocks along the Makurdi-Gboko road on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, preventing Mr. Obi’s convoy from reaching Yelwata, where he was expected to commiserate with 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 involvement, insisting that it neither sponsored nor deployed thugs to obstruct the former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate. The CNPP acknowledges this denial and calls for an impartial investigation rather than premature attribution of responsibility.”
The CNPP said the issue extends beyond Mr. Obi, the NDC or any political party.
“It concerns whether Nigeria is building a political culture in which citizens, parties and candidates can move freely across the federation, engage voters and express their views without intimidation or politically motivated obstruction.
“Democracy cannot survive where political affiliation restricts 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 a proprietary right over any part of the federation.
“The CNPP therefore urges security agencies to investigate the Benue incident, identify those who mounted the roadblock and establish whether any political or official actors sponsored, facilitated or tolerated the action.”
The CNPP warned that the incidents in Kano and Benue must not be viewed in isolation from the wider political environment emerging ahead of the 2027 elections.
The CNPP therefore expressed concern over reports that some states have introduced extremely high charges for political billboards and outdoor campaign advertisements.
“Recent reports indicate that Cross River has reportedly fixed ₦150 million for presidential campaign advertisements and ₦100 million for governorship advertisements, while Kogi has reportedly approved a ₦150 million presidential billboard tariff. Enugu has also reportedly required a ₦150 million campaign advertising permit for political parties and candidates.
“The CNPP recognises the legitimate authority of state governments to regulate outdoor advertising, maintain public aesthetics and enforce reasonable signage standards. However, such powers must not become instruments for pricing ordinary Nigerians, smaller parties and less wealthy candidates out of electoral participation.
“A democracy in which only candidates backed by enormous financial war chests can communicate effectively with voters is not one of equal opportunity.”
The CNPP said excessive campaign advertising charges could encourage the politics of money over competence.
“The CNPP calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), state signage and advertising agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to urgently examine the cumulative effect of these charges on the competitiveness of the 2027 elections.
“There must be clarity regarding their legal basis, calculation, payment, treatment as electoral expenditure for campaign-finance reporting and whether their application is genuinely neutral among 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 largest billboard tariff, command the greatest number of political thugs or intimidate the loudest opposition voices.
The CNPP said the ultimate consequence of restricting political participation could extend far beyond the 2027 elections.
“When competent citizens are discouraged from seeking office because they cannot afford political participation, the country loses potentially capable leaders.
“When campaigns are dominated by money, candidates may prioritise financiers over voters.
“When opponents are obstructed, intimidated or denied access to communities, voters lose the opportunity to hear competing ideas.
“When journalists and commentators fear that their political opinions could make them targets, public discourse becomes impoverished.
“And when voters are denied genuine 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 lawfully throughout Nigeria.
