2027: Violence threatening polls – ‘Tinubu must come’, ‘Tinubu must go’ supporters clash
Rising Political Violence Raises Concerns Ahead of 2027 Elections
As the 2027 general elections approach, incidents of political violence, threats, and hate speech are escalating, prompting alarm among political parties and voters. Allegations of intimidation among rival factions have intensified, with various parties claiming that violence is being employed to gain electoral advantages.
From Lagos to Enugu, Edo, Rivers, Kogi, Cross River, Adamawa, and other states, political gatherings have faced increasing attacks. Reports indicate a troubling trend of assaults on campaign meetings, party offices, and supporters, fostering a climate of fear ahead of the polls.
In Lagos, over 100 suspected assailants reportedly stormed a defection ceremony at the Labour Party’s Idimu secretariat in Alimosho Local Government Area, leading to injuries and property damage. The event was abruptly relocated to the Eco Centre Hall in Egbeda, where it faced a second attack.
In Enugu, armed individuals allegedly disrupted political meetings, while in Kogi, local opposition parties reported that assaults at ward meetings left several members injured. In Rivers, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reported the killing of a member preparing for a political event, and in Cross River, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed gunmen attacked two consultation venues, injuring three individuals.
Violence has also impacted events organized by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In May, chaos erupted during the party’s House of Assembly primary in Kosofe, Lagos, while vehicles belonging to PDP members were vandalized at a candidate affirmation event in Bauchi.
In Adamawa, supporters of President Bola Tinubu experienced clashes with members of opposing movements at a rally in Yola. The pattern of violence raises significant concerns regarding the ability of security agencies to ensure safety, impartially investigate incidents, and prevent local disputes from escalating.
Concerns extend beyond politicians to encompass civil society, journalists, and election officials, all warning that such intimidation could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
During a press conference in Abuja on September 22, the ADC reported incidents of violence and intimidation against its members in at least nine states from July 2025 to September 2026. Party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi cited multiple occurrences of violence at gatherings and threats against opposition leaders.
Notably, in February, the ADC’s secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, was attacked amid a political gathering. Subsequent claims of gunfire at the home of former governor and APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun were acknowledged by the Edo State Police, which ordered an investigation.
The ADC also detailed further disruption of its events across several states in the weeks leading to the elections, highlighting coordinated attacks and intimidation tactics employed against party members.
Efforts to address these issues have included calls for independent investigations into violent incidents. On September 12, three opposition governorship candidates in Enugu demanded an impartial inquiry involving significant oversight from outside the state’s police command.
The situation remains fluid, with incidents of violence, threats, and disruptions documented across the country. For example, in Kuje, Chairman Danjuma Shekwolo allegedly warned residents against voting for the APC, while in Borno State, a commissioner reportedly threatened to harm dissenters. Such statements raise critical questions about the responsibilities of public officials and the safeguarding of citizens’ political rights.
As Nigeria approaches the elections, the communities remain on high alert, reflecting back on the violence and intimidation reported during the 2023 elections. Observations indicated that intimidation linked to identity or party affiliation affected polling units across the country.
With security agencies under scrutiny, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has activated an early-warning mechanism through the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security to monitor electoral-related violence and enforce compliance.
As political leaders emphasize the importance of peaceful competition, the need for effective monitoring and prompt response to threats becomes increasingly pressing. With Nigeria’s reputation at stake, election-related violence could deter investment and weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
The upcoming elections pose a significant test for Nigeria’s security framework and political stability, as stakeholders call for a commitment to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and protect citizens’ rights.
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