Chidinma Iroegbu
The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development (CentreSGD) has warned that political violence threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, urging security agencies to guarantee peaceful campaigns and equal protection for all parties.
The organisation disclosed that 70 election-related attacks occurred across 19 states and the FCT between January 1 and October 27, 2026, leaving 27 people dead in 20 of the incidents, according to CLEEN Foundation.
A September survey by Yiaga Africa involving 2,470 respondents found that 61 per cent feared violence could prevent them from voting. The figure rose to 78 per cent in the North-East.
The attacks have affected campaigns across several states. In Enugu, an attack on NDC supporters during a campaign flag-off reportedly left one person dead, while APC convoys were attacked in two locations in Katsina.
In Ekiti, African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore reported an attack on his entourage. The ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto also alleged that state security personnel attacked his convoy.
In Kebbi, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned attacks on ADC campaign convoys, including that of presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, on November 5.
CentreSGD acknowledged that some allegations remain disputed but demanded transparent investigations and prosecution. It also noted police arrests linked to the Katsina and Ekiti incidents.
The organisation raised concerns over restrictions on opposition campaigns, including the sealing of the ADC state office and billboard permit fees reportedly reaching ₦200 million in Abia and ₦150 million in Enugu, Kogi and Cross River.
It urged the police to act without political bias, while asking INEC and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to publish a national security plan. Political parties were also urged to discipline supporters and reject violent campaigns.
CentreSGD warned that young people, women and persons with disabilities could be discouraged from voting, stressing that “Democracy cannot thrive in an environment governed by fear.” The presidential and National Assembly elections hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 6.