A security affairs analyst, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, has recommended strict punishment of politicians who sponsor or support political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
He warned that such actions pose a serious threat to democracy and national stability.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Friday, Bakoji said the growing issue of political thuggery in Kano State and other parts of Northern Nigeria must be treated as a major security concern, not just youth restiveness.

“Political thuggery is a serious threat to democratic stability and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

He stressed that any politician funding or encouraging violence during elections should face full legal consequences, regardless of their position or influence.

“Politicians who fund violence must be held accountable. This should apply to governors, senators, lawmakers, and all candidates seeking elective offices,” he said.

Bakoji warned that using youths as tools for political violence undermines the future of democracy and puts innocent lives at risk.

“No political office is worth the blood or suffering of innocent citizens,” he added.

To address the problem, he called for intelligence-led policing, saying security agencies must identify and dismantle criminal networks before violence erupts.

He also recommended stronger collaboration among security agencies through joint operations, including coordinated patrols and raids in high-risk areas.

According to him, technology should also play a key role in tackling the menace.

“Government should invest in modern surveillance systems like CCTV in public places, markets, motor parks, and entry points, as well as use drones and digital tracking tools,” he said.

Bakoji further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to develop a strong electoral security framework before, during, and after elections to ensure peaceful polls.

He also highlighted the need to engage communities, saying traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups must play active roles in peacebuilding and discouraging violence.

On the issue of unemployment, he noted that many young people involved in thuggery are victims of joblessness and manipulation.

“We must focus on youth empowerment, vocational training, education, and rehabilitation programmes to reduce their recruitment into violence,” he said.

He further called for the establishment of special fast-track courts to ensure quick prosecution of electoral offenders.

“Swift justice will serve as a strong deterrent to others,” he said.

Bakoji concluded by warning politicians to change their approach to politics ahead of 2027, saying elections should be based on ideas, leadership, and development not intimidation or violence.

“Any political system that depends on violence is a threat to democracy and national unity,” he said.

In a new policy shift, the Nigerian government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, resumed issuance of petrol import licenses to petroleum marketers.

The licenses were issued to six petroleum marketers expected to import around 720,000 metric tons of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).

DAILY POST reports that the move is a policy shift from a focus on local refineries, in this case the Dangote Refinery.

Beneficiaries are major oil marketers such as NIPCO, AA Rano, Matrix, Shafa, Pinnacle, and Bono.

NIPCO is expected to import 120,000 metric tons; AA Rano, 150,000 MT; Matrix, 150,000 MT; Shafa, 120,000 MT; Pinnacle, 120,000 MT; and Bono, 60,000 MT, totaling 720,000 MT of petrol imports.

Although the NMDPRA officially stated the reason for the fresh licenses, Dangote Refinery has repeatedly reiterated its capacity to meet local fuel consumption demand. Even NMDPRA’s recent industrial data showed that the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery supplied 90 percent of the country’s daily consumption.

Meanwhile, NMDPRA’s recent decision toward petrol imports has stirred concerns among stakeholders.

The development comes barely a week after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA.

President Tinubu had sacked Saidu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA while he was on official duty in Germany.