Political violence spreads across states ahead of 2027 elections

Political violence is increasing across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, with fresh attacks reported in several states despite efforts by political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders to promote peaceful campaigns.

The development has raised concerns about the safety of voters, political supporters and candidates as preparations for the elections gather momentum.

The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Assembly elections are expected to hold on February 6, 2027.

According to a report by Daily Trust, at least seven states have recorded incidents of political violence within the last seven days, including Lagos, Zamfara, Edo, Delta, Gombe and Cross River.

The latest incident occurred in Lagos State on Thursday when suspected political thugs disrupted a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The attackers reportedly stormed the venue along Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, armed with guns, cutlasses, axes and other dangerous weapons.

Witnesses said the assailants arrived in commercial buses, fired gunshots and destroyed properties, forcing participants to flee for safety.

Two people sustained injuries during the attack, while the police confirmed that the situation had been brought under control.

The NDC condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on democracy and the constitutional rights of citizens to participate in political activities.

The party called on security agencies to investigate the incident, arrest those responsible and ensure that political supporters could participate in campaigns without intimidation.

However, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress denied involvement in the attack, describing allegations linking the party to the incident as baseless.

The APC said its leaders and members were attending the party’s campaign activities in Epe when the incident occurred.

Similarly, the APC Presidential Campaign Council condemned political violence across the country and called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible for attacks on political gatherings.

In Zamfara State, violence also disrupted the APC rerun primary election for the Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency.

The exercise reportedly witnessed attacks, including the burning of a vehicle at the residence of the APC chairman in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area. Two persons were reportedly killed, while others sustained gunshot injuries.

Political violence was also reported in Delta State, where supporters of the NDC were attacked during a rally organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of Obi and Kwankwaso. One person was confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries.

In Edo State, the NDC and African Democratic Congress reported attacks on their members and political facilities.

The NDC chairman, David Olukoga, alleged that the party secretariat in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area and campaign billboards belonging to its candidates were destroyed.

The ADC chairman in the state, Tonie Alile, also alleged that one of the party’s members, Jerry Oliha, was shot during an attack on party chieftain Kenneth Imansuangbon in Igueben.

In Gombe State, some youths reportedly blocked Jekadafari Road with burning tyres in an attempt to prevent former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, from entering the town for a political rally.

Meanwhile, the National Peace Committee disclosed that 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord were recorded across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory between August 19 and October 27.

Political violence and thuggery accounted for 33 incidents, while misinformation and disinformation recorded 29 cases.

The European Union has also expressed concern over election-related violence, hate speech and political intimidation ahead of the 2027 polls.

Stakeholders have continued to urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns and issue-based engagements to prevent further violence and protect Nigeria’s democratic process.

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