With just over a year to go before the 2027 general elections, Nigeria is experiencing a worrying increase in political violence. The presidential and National Assembly elections are set for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2026. In the past week alone, there have been reported cases of political violence in at least seven states, including Lagos, Zamfara, Edo, Delta, Gombe, and Cross River.
The National Peace Committee has documented 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory between August 19 and October 27. Political violence and thuggery accounted for 33 incidents, while misinformation and disinformation made up 29 cases. Kaduna, Edo, and Enugu have been identified as serious flashpoints for electoral violence. The European Union has expressed concern over reports of election-related violence, hate speech, and political intimidation.
The latest incident occurred in Lagos, where suspected political thugs disrupted a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Several supporters were injured, and witnesses reported that the attackers, suspected to be loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arrived in commercial buses and began threatening to disrupt the programme.
The APC has denied involvement in the alleged attack, saying its leaders and members were attending the party's 2027 campaign flag-off in Epe at the time of the incident. The Lagos APC spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, described the allegation as baseless and an attempt by the opposition to shift responsibility for the incident. The NDC has condemned the attack, describing it as an unacceptable assault on democracy.
The violence has disrupted commercial activities and vehicular movement in the area, with traders and business operators suspending their activities amid fears of further violence. Additional security operatives were drafted to the venue to restore order. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that two persons were injured but said the situation was under control.
The incidents of political violence have been more frequent this year, with states like Katsina, Kebbi, Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, Ebonyi, Osun, and Nasarawa experiencing various forms of violence. Prominent political actors have also threatened voters, raising concerns over free, fair, and credible polls in 2027.
The NDC has vowed not to be intimidated by the attack, sympathising with those injured and wishing them a speedy recovery. The party's spokesperson described the incident as an unacceptable assault on democracy, citizens' fundamental rights, and the freedom of political association.
Key points
- 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord reported across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
- 33 incidents of political violence and thuggery documented.
- European Union expresses concern over election-related violence, hate speech, and political intimidation.
Reporting sources
- Violent campaigns · Daily Trust
