“Don’t Even Cross the Gutter”: APC Chieftain Sparks Outrage with Direct Threats to Opposition Voters

Political tensions have reached a boiling point following alarming remarks made by an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Osun State targeting opposition supporters ahead of an upcoming election.

In a video surfaced by Sahara Reporters, the political figure issued a harsh warning telling members of rival parties to stay home on election day or face dire consequences, declaring: “Don’t even cross the gutter.”

Rising Tensions and Threats of Voter Suppression

The statement has triggered widespread concern among civil society organizations, political observers, and opposition voters who view the remarks as a clear attempt at voter intimidation and electoral suppression.

The phrase “don’t cross the gutter” a local idiom meant to warn people against stepping past their immediate doorsteps or neighborhoods—serves as a direct tactic to discourage opposition turnout in key voting precincts.

Electoral violence and voter suppression tactics remain persistent challenges in Nigerian elections. Critics argue that statements like these create an atmosphere of fear, deterring citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

Public Backlash and Demands for Accountability

Following the circulation of the footage, political analysts and civil rights advocates have called on local authorities and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intervene.

Key issues raised by commentators include:

• Electoral Integrity: Whether electoral bodies will hold political figures accountable for rhetoric that incites violence or discourages voting.

• Security Concerns: The need for security agencies to guarantee safety for voters across all polling units on election day.

• Democratic Process: The broader impact of political intimidation on turnout and public trust in local governance.

As election day approaches, voter rights groups continue to urge electors to turn out safely, while demanding that law enforcement ensure all citizens can vote without fear of harassment.

The footage reporting on this incident highlights how rhetorical threats on the campaign trail spark concerns over voter safety, as shown in this Osun APC Candidate Video, which directly captures the candidate’s warnings to non-APC supporters ahead of election day.