As the Paramount Chieftaincy election at Perri Chiefdom, Pujehun District draws closer, fears of violence have surfaced, clouding what should be a democratic and peaceful process.

Ibrahim Sheriff, a vocal supporter of candidate Mohamed Kpakra Mansallay, has made serious accusations, igniting public concern.

Sheriff, widely known by his alias “Political Gbekumeh,” sent a message to the WhatsApp group “ONE PERRI ONE FAMILY WHATSAPP FORUM”, alleging that prominent backers of Mansallay are prepared to resort to extreme violence to ensure their candidate’s victory. His shocking claim that they would go as far as to “slit human throats” has caused alarm within the community.

The statement has been met with unanimous condemnation from members of the forum, who expressed concerns that such rhetoric could incite violence and endanger the lives of candidates and voters alike. With tensions already high ahead of the election, many fear these comments could exacerbate the situation, leading to violent confrontations on election day.

Local leaders and community members have urged calm, with many calling for immediate action from authorities. They are pressing for “Political Gbekumeh” to be questioned by the police, arguing that his remarks should not be dismissed as idle threats, given the volatile nature of the situation.

As the election approaches, there is widespread hope that the process will remain peaceful and that voters can exercise their rights without fear of intimidation or violence. Community leaders have emphasized the need for vigilance by security forces to ensure the safety of all involved, and to prevent any escalation of tensions in the days leading up to the election.