ADC Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar
A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to enforce the law fairly against all politicians, regardless of their political party.
In a statement shared on his social media page, Ibe said the reported conduct of NDC politician Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, who was seen in a viral video allegedly displaying a firearm at a political gathering in Kano, was condemnable and should be investigated.
He said the Nigeria Police acted correctly by inviting Warkal for questioning but insisted that the same standard must apply to every political actor.
According to him, “Nigeria cannot afford a system in which an opposition politician is swiftly invited over alleged intimidation while similar conduct by members of the ruling party attracts a different response.”
Ibe also welcomed reports that Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe was invited for questioning over his widely reported “AK-47 fire” remark, describing it as the right approach.
He stated, “That is how the system should work: allegations of threats, violence or intimidation should be investigated without regard to party affiliation.”
The Atiku aide further cited other reported incidents, including allegations involving Esan West Local Government Chairman Blessing Ebhodaghe, Kuje Area Council Chairman Danjuma Shekwolo and Borno State Commissioner Sainna Buba, saying Nigerians deserve to know the outcome of investigations into such cases.
He added, “Nigerians deserve to know what became of investigations into these and similar cases. The investigations must never enter into voicemail.”
Ibe warned that selective enforcement of the law could create tension as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
He argued that unequal treatment could embolden offenders, encourage retaliation and weaken public confidence in the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
Calling for responsible political conduct, he said every political party should caution its members against threats and intimidation, stressing that political disagreement must never lead to violence.
He concluded, “The standard should be simple: same offence, same investigation. Same law, same consequences. There must be no ruling-party immunity and no opposition victimisation. One law must apply to all politicians.”
