The National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has raised concerns over the growing threat of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections after documenting 109 violations of the National Peace Accord across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The violations were recorded during a 10-week monitoring exercise covering August 19 to October 27, 2026, according to a report obtained by The Punch.
The report identified political violence and thuggery, as well as misinformation and disinformation, as the leading forms of violations, accounting for 33 and 29 incidents respectively.
Attacks on political activities and campaign materials accounted for 19 cases, while intimidation and threats recorded 15 incidents. Other violations included restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, inflammatory statements, intra-party disputes and voter inducement.
The committee identified Kaduna, Edo and Enugu as major political flashpoints, citing recurring violence, armed disruptions and other security concerns.
Kaduna recorded the highest number of incidents with nine, while Edo, Enugu and the FCT each recorded seven.
The report also highlighted several incidents involving attacks on political gatherings and supporters across the country.
Among them was the reported obstruction of the convoy of former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, near Makurdi, Benue State, on September 8.
In Enugu, the committee documented repeated armed disruptions of NDC and Peoples Democratic Party gatherings between September and October.
It also cited the disruption of PDP consultations by gunmen in Calabar South, Cross River State, on October 2, and the reported shooting of an African Democratic Congress supporter during political activities in Igueben, Edo State, four days later.
In Oyo State, violence during a political procession in Ibadan between October 14 and 17 reportedly claimed one life. An APC ward member was also allegedly killed days later.
Beyond physical attacks, the committee expressed concern over the growing use of misinformation, fabricated newspaper headlines, recycled campaign videos and forged documents to influence political narratives.
It warned that the circulation of false political information could distort public debate, damage reputations and deepen divisions among political groups.
The report further identified five major threats to the 2027 elections, including restricted campaign access, armed political mobilisation, intimidation by public office-holders, misinformation and declining confidence in public institutions.
To address the situation, the committee called for independent investigations into reported violations, equal protection for lawful political activities and stronger accountability measures.
It also urged political parties and their candidates to publicly condemn violence, disown armed groups and take disciplinary action against members involved in threats and intimidation.
The committee further called on security agencies to investigate violent incidents and ensure that all political parties enjoy equal protection during campaigns.
It warned that failure to address the violations could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and threaten peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are expected to hold on February 6, 2027.
