Presidential candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has alleged that some desperate politicians are resorting to extreme practices, including human sacrifice, in their quest to win the 2027 elections.
Duke made the allegation in Abuja on Tuesday when the Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Democracy, Diplomacy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, visited him as part of its engagement with political stakeholders ahead of the elections.
The former Cross River State governor expressed concern over what he described as increasing desperation among politicians seeking political power.
According to Duke, some politicians are prepared to use any means necessary to secure or retain power, warning that such desperation could fuel violence and create a wider crisis.
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He recalled that during his tenure as governor of Cross River State, human body parts were allegedly discovered in the residence of a council chairman.
Duke said similar incidents had occurred in different parts of the country but were rarely discussed publicly.
He argued that the desperation surrounding political contests had contributed to the erosion of democratic values, saying politics had gradually changed from a vocation into an occupation.
Duke Calls for Electoral Reforms
Duke also called for a major overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly the process of appointing the leadership and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said the electoral commission must be genuinely independent of political influence if the country is to strengthen its democracy.
The PRP candidate also called for tougher sanctions against electoral violence and other actions capable of undermining the democratic process.
He said politicians would continue to take dangerous risks when they believe there would be little or no consequence for violating electoral laws.
Ariwoola Warns Against Inflammatory Campaigns
Responding to the concerns raised during the engagement, Ariwoola urged Duke and other presidential candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid rancour, hate speech and inflammatory statements capable of provoking violence.
The former Chief Justice said Nigeria’s political class had, over the years, turned elections into matters of life and death, leading to the use of thuggery, hate speech, vote buying, rigging and ballot stuffing.
He urged presidential candidates to ensure their supporters comply with the electoral laws and guidelines issued by INEC.
Ariwoola said responsible conduct by political candidates and their supporters would help build public confidence in the electoral process and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.