As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the country is witnessing an increase in pre-election violence, raising concerns about the ability of security agencies to ensure a peaceful process. The elections for the presidency and federal lawmakers are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while state governors and lawmakers will be elected on February 6, 2027. A recent report by the Leadership newspaper has identified signs of escalating tensions since November last year.
According to data from CLEEN Foundation and Situation Room, a coalition of civil society groups, there were 70 election-related attacks in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, between January 1 and October 27, 2026. These attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people. The report indicates that the violence is not limited to any particular region or political party, with different parties accusing each other of instigating the conflicts.
The report highlights several incidents of violence, including an attack on the campaign rally of Isa Ashiru, a candidate of the ADC party, in Kaduna state on September 15, 2026. The party alleged that KADVIS, the state security outfit, dispersed the rally without provocation, despite having obtained the necessary permit. In another incident, supporters of the ADC and APC parties clashed in Kano state on October 10-11, 2026, resulting in the arrest of the venue owner.
In Katsina state, a campaign team of the APC party was attacked in Malumfashi on October 28, 2026, leading to the arrest of 14 people. Two days later, a clash between rival groups in Yankara, Faskari Local Government Area, resulted in one death, although the state government claimed the incident was not politically motivated.
Other incidents of violence were reported in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Delta states. In Sokoto, the ADC gubernatorial candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, alleged that state security agents attacked his campaign team and opened fire near the airport. The incident is under investigation. In Kebbi, Amnesty International reported that armed men attacked supporters of the ADC party, injuring several people and destroying property.
The ADC party has accused the Kebbi state government of being behind the attack, a claim denied by the government. In Delta state, one person was killed when armed men attacked an NDC party meeting in Asaba on November 7, 2026. The increasing violence has raised concerns about the security situation in the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Nigerian government and security agencies have been urged to take measures to prevent further escalation of violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process. The situation is being closely monitored by civil society groups and international observers.
Key points
- At least 70 election-related attacks reported in 19 states and Abuja between January 1 and October 27, 2026
- 27 people killed in election-related violence
- Violence reported in several states, including Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Delta
