Nigeria, Sept. 18 -- As Nigeria inches towards the 2027 general elections, an ominous pattern is beginning to emerge. The language of politics is becoming more threatening, more intolerant and, in some cases, dangerously inflammatory. Politics is not supposed to be a do-or-die affair, and an election shouldn't be a declaration of war.

Political opponents are not enemies of the state, and citizens who choose to support a different political party have committed no offence. Democracy rests on one fundamental principle: the freedom of the people to choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence.

Unfortunately, too many Nigerian politicians are desperate and appear prepared to go to any length to win elections. We hav...