Precious Nwonu

The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has warned that electoral violence goes beyond physical attacks, saying economic hardship, hate speech, ethnic manipulation and political exclusion also threaten Nigeria’s democracy.

Musawa, who chaired the sixth edition of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards organised by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine in Abuja, spoke through the ministry’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Zainab Christiana Pisagih.

She said the different forms of violence could weaken democratic institutions and prevent citizens from freely participating in the electoral process.

The minister also expressed concern over alleged attempts by some authorities to impose exorbitant billboard charges that could limit opposition parties’ access to campaign platforms.

She warned that unequal opportunities for political campaigns could undermine democratic participation and compromise the credibility of elections.

According to her, elections conducted in an atmosphere of intimidation cannot accurately reflect the wishes of the electorate.

“An election conducted under the shadow of fear cannot fully represent the free will of the people. Democracy should never be a competition of who can intimidate the electorate, manipulate the process, or deploy the greatest number of political enforcers,” she said.

Musawa also criticised political practices characterised by defections without ideological consistency, campaign promises without corresponding performance and alliances without accountability.

She maintained that the success of democracy should not be determined by political manoeuvring or the struggle for power but by its impact on the living conditions of citizens.

The minister called for a political system that prioritises citizens’ welfare, equal participation and accountability as essential measures of democratic progress.