The National Peace Committee (NPC) of Nigeria has expressed concerns over increasing incidents of misinformation, political intimidation, violence, and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement, the committee, chaired by Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, revealed that its Election Security Information (ESI) Hub recorded 60 election-related incidents across the country between August 19 and September 19. These incidents were recorded shortly after the signing of the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 electoral cycle on August 18.
According to the committee, misinformation and disinformation constituted the largest category, accounting for 40 percent, or 24 incidents, of the total recorded cases. Attacks and disruptions affecting political activities and assets accounted for 21.7 percent (13 incidents), while political intimidation and threats, including incidents involving security personnel, represented 16.7 percent (10 incidents). The committee also noted that political violence and thuggery accounted for 10 percent, or six incidents, while inflammatory statements represented 6.7 percent, or four incidents.
The committee reported that restrictions on freedom of expression, intra-party conflicts, and voter inducement each accounted for one incident. The findings showed deviations from the peaceful and issue-based campaigns envisaged under the National Peace Accord. The committee stated that these incidents threaten to restrict political participation, erode public confidence in the electoral system, and escalate tensions as political competition intensifies.
The NPC urged the police and other security agencies to intensify prompt, impartial, and evidence-driven investigations into electoral offenses and political violence. The committee also demanded equal protection for all political parties and candidates, with outcomes of investigations communicated transparently, where legally permissible. Furthermore, the committee called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure stronger monitoring of political campaigns and strict enforcement of the Electoral Act 2026 and applicable regulations governing political parties and campaign conduct.
The committee also called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to immediately stop false, inflammatory, and inciting communications. They enjoined political actors to verify information before publication and actively prevent their supporters from engaging in unlawful conduct, intimidation, or disruption. The committee equally appealed to citizens and civil society organizations to resolve political disagreements through established legal and democratic mechanisms rather than retaliation or threats.
The NPC called on civil society, traditional and religious institutions, the media, and social media platforms to sustain civic education and intensify efforts to counter false information. The committee said it would continue to monitor and verify incidents through the ESI Hub, share findings with relevant authorities, and publish periodic updates. The committee's message remains clear and unwavering as the 2027 electoral cycle progresses.
The National Peace Committee emphasized that every candidate must be able to campaign peacefully, every political party must be able to organize lawfully, and every citizen must be able to make a political choice without intimidation or coercion. The committee's concerns and recommendations highlight the need for a peaceful and credible electoral process in Nigeria.
Key points
- Misinformation and disinformation accounted for 40 percent of the 60 election-related incidents recorded by the National Peace Committee.
- The committee urged the police and other security agencies to intensify prompt, impartial, and evidence-driven investigations into electoral offenses and political violence.
- The National Peace Committee called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to immediately stop false, inflammatory, and inciting communications.
