The 2027 election campaign season in Nigeria has begun, with politicians vying for various offices crisscrossing their constituencies to share their visions. However, concerns have emerged over the scant regard shown by the political class for the Peace Accord they signed on August 18, 2026. The accord aims to promote peaceful campaigns and elections.
Reports have emerged of politicians making inflammatory statements and engaging in intolerant behavior. Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State reportedly threatened to remove local government chairmen who fail to win their councils for the ruling All Progressives Congress. Similar incidents have been reported in other states, including Kebbi and Edo.
The issue of prohibitive fees for campaign materials has also been raised. In Abia State, presidential candidates are required to pay N200m to display billboards and posters, while governorship candidates must pay N150m. These fees have been challenged in court by Governor Seyi Makinde and the Allied Peoples Movement.
Electoral violence has been a recurring issue in Nigeria's political landscape. According to Jide Ojo, a columnist, there are three types of violence: physical, structural, and psychological. Structural violence includes the imposition of exorbitant fees for campaign materials, while psychological violence involves the use of fake news and misinformation to tarnish opponents' images.
The denial of access to state-owned media has also been cited as a form of structural violence. Many opposition party candidates have been disallowed from airing their political jingles and adverts in state-owned media or charged exorbitant fees. Section 99 (2) of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits the use of state apparatus to advantage or disadvantage any political party or candidate.
The use of media ownership as a tool for political advantage has also been highlighted. Many politicians have established their own media outlets, including radio, television, and newspapers. President Bola Tinubu owns a media conglomerate, including The Nation, TVC News, and Max FM.
To curb electoral violence, law enforcement agencies have been urged to wake up to their responsibilities and nip it in the bud. The Independent National Electoral Commission has established a standing committee to provide election security. Civil society organizations and the media have also been called upon to sensitize citizens against electoral violence.
Key points
- Nigerian politicians are urged to prioritize peace and uphold the Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The issue of prohibitive fees for campaign materials has been raised, with many challenging these fees in court.
- Electoral violence has been a recurring issue in Nigeria's political landscape, with three types of violence identified: physical, structural, and psychological.
