A video has surfaced online showing a chieftain of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) allegedly brandishing a firearm during a campaign rally organised in support of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The incident, reportedly recorded during a political gathering over the weekend, has generated controversy on social media, with calls for the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the display of the weapon.
The video was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, by a user, Emma Ik Umeh, popularly known as Tcee, under the handle @emmaikumeh.
In his post, Umeh questioned whether it was lawful for a supporter of the NDC and Kwankwasiyya movement to appear at a political campaign with a firearm and allegedly discharge it into the air.
“Is it legal for NDC/Kwankwasiyya supporter to campaign with a gun and allegedly fire it almost three times into the air? Nigeria @PoliceNG pls do the needful. This is totally wrong. Is this what Peter Obi’s party is planning on doing? Hmm,” he wrote.
In the footage reviewed by ChroniclesReporters, the individual, who was wearing the red cap commonly associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement, was seen standing on the running board of an SUV while holding what appeared to be a firearm in one hand.
He was also seen gesticulating and cheering alongside supporters as the crowd chanted in the background.
The video has raised concerns over the presence and possible use of firearms at political gatherings, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged firearm display, including the identity of the individual, the type of weapon involved and whether any shots were actually fired, could not be independently established by ChroniclesReporters from the footage alone.
The viral post alleged that the individual fired the weapon into the air almost three times, but there was no independent confirmation of the claim as of the time of filing this report.
Under Nigeria’s firearms laws, possession of firearms by civilians is subject to licensing requirements, while the public display or use of firearms in circumstances capable of causing fear or public disorder may attract criminal liability.
Section 27 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, contains provisions relating to the unlawful possession and carrying of firearms and the manner in which firearms may be carried in public.
The Electoral Act 2022 also contains provisions aimed at preventing violence and the use of weapons during political activities. Section 92(3) prohibits the possession or use of offensive weapons, including firearms, at political rallies and processions.
The provision is intended to prevent intimidation, violence and the escalation of political gatherings into violent confrontations.
The emergence of the video comes at a time when political parties and political movements are stepping up mobilisation and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The alleged display of a firearm at a political gathering has therefore intensified concerns about compliance with electoral laws and the responsibility of political actors and their supporters to maintain peaceful conduct during campaigns.
ChroniclesReporters could not independently verify whether the individual seen in the footage is a licensed firearm holder or whether the weapon displayed was legally authorised.
The newspaper also could not independently establish the exact location of the rally, the date and circumstances under which the video was recorded, or whether the Nigeria Police Force has commenced an investigation into the incident.
No official statement from the NDC, the Kwankwasiyya movement, Peter Obi’s campaign organisation or the Nigeria Police Force regarding the video was available at the time of publication.