Growing incidents of political violence across Nigeria are raising concerns about the safety of political candidates, supporters and voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With political activities increasing across the country, attacks on campaign gatherings, opposition figures and supporters have intensified calls for security agencies, political parties and electoral authorities to take stronger steps to prevent violence.
A report published by BusinessDay on November 9 highlighted a series of incidents involving political gatherings and opposition figures. The report said the latest attack occurred in Asaba, Delta State, during a rally organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The incident reportedly left one person dead and five others seriously injured.
According to the report, the procession, described as a “Million Man March”, was intercepted along Nnebisi Road by armed men carrying weapons, including axes, machetes, knives and clubs. Videos from the incident reportedly showed participants running for safety, while some supporters sustained head injuries.
The attack has added to concerns about the growing risks surrounding political activities as parties and political movements begin to intensify their preparations for the 2027 elections.
Other incidents have also been reported in different parts of the country.
On October 30, Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was reportedly assaulted at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Five days later, the campaign convoy of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was reportedly attacked by armed political thugs in Kebbi State.
Amnesty International condemned the Kebbi incident, describing it as a serious threat to the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and association.
Campaign activities involving Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, were also reportedly attacked in Benue and Cross River states.
These incidents have increased concerns that political disagreements could become more violent as the country moves closer to the general elections.
In a related development, the African Centre for Security, Governance and Development (CentreSGD) raised concerns about the scale of election-related violence recorded in 2026.
In a report published on November 9, The Guardian quoted the organisation as saying that 70 physical election-related attacks were recorded across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory between January 1 and October 27, 2026.
The incidents reportedly resulted in 27 deaths, with 20 of the attacks leading to fatalities.
CentreSGD Executive Director Theresa Odinkalu-Okoro said the situation posed a serious threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections. The organisation cited the CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Threat Assessment in presenting the figures.
The report also referenced Yiaga Africa’s September 2026 National Voting Intentions Survey, which found that 61 per cent of Nigerians feared violence could prevent them from voting. The concern was reportedly higher in the North-East, where 78 per cent of respondents expressed the same fear.
The figures highlight the possible impact of political violence on voter participation. Citizens who fear attacks may avoid campaign events, political meetings or even polling stations, limiting their ability to participate freely in the democratic process.
The concern is particularly significant because elections are expected to provide citizens with an opportunity to choose their leaders without intimidation or threats.
Political violence is not new to Nigeria’s electoral process. Previous elections have been affected by attacks on voters, party agents, journalists, electoral officials and campaign supporters.
A report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), titled Votes, Violence and Validity, documented incidents of violence during Nigeria’s 2023 sub-national elections. According to BusinessDay, the report found that 10.8 per cent of monitored polling units recorded violence or fighting, with the North-West recording the highest incidence at 19.9 per cent.
The findings demonstrate that violence can occur at different stages of the electoral process, from campaigns and political gatherings to voting and the announcement of results.
Political statements that threaten opponents or demand support for particular parties have also raised concerns among analysts. BusinessDay cited examples of controversial remarks by public officials, including comments that were later withdrawn or apologised for.
Such statements can increase political tension and create an environment in which supporters may feel encouraged to intimidate people with opposing political views.
Nigeria already has legal provisions against political violence. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of assembly and association, including the right to belong to political parties.
Section 227 prohibits political parties from organising, training or equipping quasi-military organisations or private militias for political purposes. The Electoral Act also contains provisions regulating conduct during political campaigns and meetings.
However, the existence of laws alone may not be enough to prevent attacks if perpetrators and those who sponsor them are not properly investigated and prosecuted.
Security agencies are therefore expected to protect political gatherings, investigate reported attacks and ensure that individuals responsible for violence face the law. Political parties also have a responsibility to discourage their supporters from using threats, intimidation or physical attacks against opponents.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must also work with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that candidates and voters can participate in the electoral process safely.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the increasing reports of political violence have placed greater attention on the responsibility of political leaders to promote peaceful competition.
The credibility of an election depends not only on the accuracy of the voters’ register and the efficiency of election technology but also on whether citizens can freely attend political gatherings, express their opinions and cast their votes without fear.
