The National Peace Committee (NPC) has expressed concern over the increasing trend of political violence, inflammatory rhetoric, and widespread misinformation in Nigeria. According to the Committee, 60 electoral violations were recorded across the country within one month of signing the 2027 National Peace Accord. This development has raised fears that these breaches could threaten political participation, erode public trust, and escalate pre-election tensions.
Data compiled by the NPC's Election Security Information (ESI) Hub between August 19 and September 19, 2026, shows that misinformation and disinformation constituted the largest share of violations at 40 per cent, with 24 incidents recorded. Attacks on political activities and assets accounted for 21.7 per cent, with 13 incidents, followed by political intimidation and security-related threats at 16.7 per cent, with 10 incidents.
Other forms of violations recorded include political thuggery, which comprised 10 per cent of the total incidents, with 6 cases. Inflammatory statements made up 6.7 per cent, with 4 incidents, while freedom of expression restrictions, intra-party friction, and voter inducement each accounted for 1.7 per cent, with 1 incident each. The NPC has attributed these violations to various factors, including the rising tensions and competition among political actors.
The NPC has called on the Nigeria Police Force and security agencies to conduct impartial, evidence-driven investigations into electoral offences. The Committee stressed that prosecution must extend to sponsors and financiers of violence, while demanding absolute neutrality from security personnel. This, it believes, will help to deter future occurrences of such violations and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also been urged to enforce campaign guidelines under the Electoral Act 2026. The NPC has cautioned political parties, candidates, and citizens to settle disputes through legal channels rather than retaliation. This, it believes, will help to prevent the escalation of pre-election tensions and ensure a peaceful transfer of power.
The Chairman of the NPC, Gen. Abdulsalami A. Abubakar (rtd), and Convener, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah, in a statement issued in Abuja, reminded signatories that the Accord is a binding commitment rather than a ceremonial act. They emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The NPC's concerns and recommendations come at a time when Nigeria is preparing for the 2027 general elections. The Committee's efforts aim to promote a peaceful and inclusive electoral process, and its calls for strict enforcement of the peace pact are expected to be taken seriously by all stakeholders.
Key points
- The National Peace Committee recorded 60 electoral violations across Nigeria within one month of signing the 2027 National Peace Accord.
- Misinformation and disinformation constituted the largest share of violations at 40 per cent.
- The NPC has called on security agencies to conduct impartial investigations into electoral offences and for INEC to enforce campaign guidelines.
