70 election-related attacks recorded in 19 states, 27 killed – Centre for Security

The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development (CentreSGD) reported that between January 1 and October 27, 2026, there were 70 recorded physical attacks related to elections across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, resulting in the deaths of 27 individuals.

In a statement released on Sunday, Theresa Chigozirim Odinkalu-Okoro, the executive director of CentreSGD, warned that the rising incidents of political violence pose a significant threat to the integrity of the 2027 general elections. The attacks, which have targeted candidates, supporters, campaign convoys, and party offices, have heightened security concerns in the electoral landscape.

According to data from CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Threat Assessment and Yiaga Africa’s National Voting Intentions Survey conducted in September 2026, 61% of Nigerians expressed fears that violence might hinder their ability to vote. The concern is particularly acute in the North-East region, where 78% of respondents indicated they were apprehensive about potential violence.

Among notable incidents cited were attacks on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu, assaults on All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign convoys in Malumfashi and Yankara in Katsina State, and an attack on African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and his entourage in Ado-Ekiti. The report also pointed to allegations of attacks on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate’s convoy in Sokoto, and campaigns involving presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in Kebbi State.

While acknowledging that some allegations have been disputed by the parties and authorities implicated, CentreSGD emphasized its call for comprehensive investigations and any necessary prosecutions where evidence is available, without making judgments on culpability.

CentreSGD urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate all election-related attacks in a prompt and transparent manner, stressing the importance of addressing such incidents free from political bias. The organization asserted that elections should represent a contest of ideas and a reflection of popular mandates, not an arena for physical intimidation or coercion.

The Centre concluded by warning that democracy cannot flourish in an environment ruled by fear.

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