Rising political violence, alleged attacks on party gatherings and threats against opponents are raising concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
From Lagos and Edo to Enugu, Rivers, Kogi, Cross River and Adamawa, political parties have reported disruptions to meetings, damaged campaign facilities, assaults and intimidation. The incidents have intensified fears that political rivalries could escalate as electioneering gathers momentum.
One recent flashpoint occurred in Adamawa State, where supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, associated with the slogan “Tinubu Must Come”, reportedly clashed with members of the opposing “Tinubu Must Go” movement around Jimeta in Yola.
The confrontation reflects a wider pattern of political tension, although responsibility for individual incidents remains disputed or has yet to be independently established.
2027 Election Violence Raises Concerns Across States
Several parties have reported attacks on their activities in recent months.
In Lagos, more than 100 suspected hoodlums reportedly invaded the Labour Party secretariat in Idimu, Alimosho Local Government Area, during a defection ceremony involving members moving to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Furniture and party flags were reportedly destroyed, while some participants sustained injuries.
The gathering later moved to Eco Centre Hall in Egbeda, where another attack allegedly occurred.
In Enugu, armed men reportedly disrupted political gatherings. Opposition parties in Kogi also alleged that attacks on ward meetings left some members hospitalised.
The ADC reported the killing of a member in Rivers State while he was preparing for a political meeting. In Cross River, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleged that gunmen attacked two consultation venues and injured three people.
Violence has also been reported at events involving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In May, an APC House of Assembly primary in Kosofe, Lagos, was disrupted by violence. In Bauchi, vehicles belonging to PDP members were reportedly vandalised during a candidate affirmation event.
These incidents have raised questions about the ability of security agencies to protect political gatherings, investigate allegations impartially and prevent local disputes from escalating.
ADC Reports Attacks in Nine States
At a news conference in Abuja on September 22, the ADC said it had documented alleged attacks and intimidation involving its members in at least nine states between July 2025 and September 2026.
The party listed Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu.
Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, cited attacks on political meetings, assaults on members and threats against opposition figures. He also called on the police to account for investigations into reported incidents.
In February, the ADC said its secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, came under attack during a political gathering. Gunfire was also reportedly heard at the residence of former Edo governor and former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, where political leaders had assembled.
The Edo State Police Command reportedly confirmed the incident and ordered an investigation. However, the ADC complained that no arrests, prosecutions or public report had followed by the time of its September statement.
In Rivers, the party alleged that a member identified as Kamadiyoi was killed in Emilaghan community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area, while members prepared for a meeting.
In Enugu, gunmen reportedly disrupted an opposition gathering, leaving a man with a gunshot injury, according to reports cited by the party. The state government disputed claims that anyone had died in the incident.
The ADC also raised concerns about the disruption of a New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) gathering at Akanu Ibiam International Airport. The government said the organisers had not obtained permission from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to hold the event there.
Three opposition governorship candidates in Enugu — Uche Nnaji of the PDP, Christian Ohaa of the NDC and Ozor Obodoeze Ocho of the ADC — called for an independent investigation led by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, with substantial participation from outside the state police command.
Political Threats Add to Rising Tensions
Beyond reported physical attacks, statements attributed to political figures and public officials have prompted concerns about the atmosphere surrounding opposition activities.
In Edo State, a local government chairman was accused of threatening to demolish hotels that hosted NDC meetings. He was also alleged to have directed commercial drivers at Ekpoma motor park to bar drivers wearing other parties’ caps.
In Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Chairman Danjuma Shekwolo was accused of telling residents who would not vote for the APC to leave the area.
In Borno, a commissioner reportedly faced accusations of threatening to cut off the fingers of people who refused to support the APC. In Osun, a senator was reported to have urged supporters to kill Accord Party members ahead of the governorship election.
These allegations highlight concerns about political intimidation and the responsibility of public officials to protect citizens’ rights. The claims require impartial investigation and should not be treated as established findings without supporting evidence.
In Rivers State, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike warned that former governor Rotimi Amaechi would find it difficult to campaign in the state if he continued describing Tinubu and his supporters as thieves.
Reacting to the broader allegations, Abdullahi stressed that the police must remain independent of party interests.
“The Nigeria police is not APC police; it is the police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
South-East Leaders Warn Against Political Violence
Tensions in the South-East have also drawn warnings from political and community leaders.
Chief Chekwas Okorie, chairman of the Igbo Agenda Dialogue, cautioned governors in the region against allowing political competition to become a source of widespread conflict.
He argued that attacks on political gatherings could make it increasingly difficult for opposition parties to organise public events safely.
Okorie also alleged that some governors demanded hundreds of millions of naira for campaign billboards, potentially restricting opposition parties’ access to public spaces. He further claimed that some opposition groups had responded by pulling down billboards belonging to rival parties.
In Enugu, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia accused opposition members of plotting to bring thugs and bandits into the state. He defended the government’s position that the airport should not be turned into a campaign ground without the necessary authorisation.
The competing claims underline the need for authorities to distinguish legitimate security concerns from restrictions that could prevent parties from conducting lawful political activities.
Lagos 2023 Election Offers a Warning
Nigeria’s 2023 general elections provide a recent example of how intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric and attacks on political opponents can affect participation.
The Centre for Democracy and Development reported that intimidation linked to identity or party affiliation occurred in 3.4 per cent of polling units observed during the elections. Lagos, Anambra and Imo featured prominently in its findings.
On February 25, 2023, videos from Surulere, Lagos, showed men overturning tables, removing ballot boxes marked “Presidential” and smashing them on Adedoyin Road. Ballot papers were scattered into gutters.
INEC later cancelled results in four polling units, affecting 1,950 registered voters.
PDP House of Representatives candidate for Surulere Constituency I, Alani Jeje, popularly known as Bobby Jeje, alleged that thugs moved between polling units and beat voters.
Actress Chioma Akpotha also said she was attacked at her polling unit and that her car’s side mirrors were damaged.
Tensions increased before the March 18 governorship election after a video of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, circulated online. In the clip, he was heard warning a woman identified as Iya Chukwudi to stay home if she did not intend to vote for his preferred party.
Police urged Nigerians to treat the statement as a joke.
On election day, the European Union Election Observation Mission reported that at least 21 people were killed nationwide. Its Chief Observer, Barry Andrews, identified Lagos as one of the worst-affected states.
Further reports of intimidation and violence emerged from Oke-Afa, Okota, Ago Palace Way, Ijagemo, Ojo, Eti-Osa, Ajegunle, Festac and other parts of Lagos.
The United States’ 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices also documented allegations of threats against Igbo voters in Ojo and restrictions affecting non-Yoruba voters in Eti-Osa. The US Mission said its observers witnessed voter intimidation in Lagos.
The then Lagos Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, acknowledged that violence occurred but said it was not widespread enough to affect the overall dynamics of the election.
Voter turnout stood at 16 per cent, one of the lowest figures recorded for a governorship election in the state. Labour Party candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour later described intimidation and voter suppression as major obstacles during the poll.
The reported incidents have continued to fuel calls for greater accountability and stronger protection for voters and political participants.
INEC Activates Early-Warning Measures
With the 2027 elections approaching, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political actors against allowing competition to result in bloodshed.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan said the commission had activated an early-warning framework through the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to monitor political violence, thuggery and hate speech.
“No political office in this country is worth the blood of a single Nigerian,” Amupitan said at a workshop for editors in Abuja.
The commission also announced plans for joint financial-monitoring teams involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.
INEC said more than 10.6 million new voters had registered and that it had acquired 57,000 additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices.
However, the success of its early-warning measures will depend on how quickly authorities respond to credible reports, protect political gatherings and investigate those suspected of organising or financing attacks.
Monitoring alone may not prevent violence unless security agencies act promptly and ensure that allegations receive impartial attention, regardless of political affiliation.
Political Violence Could Damage Nigeria’s Reputation
The consequences of electoral violence extend beyond deaths, injuries and property damage. Persistent insecurity could also discourage investment, weaken public confidence in institutions and undermine trust in election results.
Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, chairman of the board of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, warned that election-related insecurity could damage Nigeria’s international reputation.
Speaking at Nigeria Reputation Day 2026, themed “Own the Narrative: Shaping Nigeria’s Reputation Together”, he said a prospective international investor cancelled a planned visit after a travel advisory raised concerns about the forthcoming elections.
“We must have these elections in a peaceful atmosphere. If you don’t win today, you can win tomorrow. It is not winning at all costs that we must all do,” he said.
His warning highlights the broader economic and reputational costs that may follow if political violence goes unchecked.
Security Agencies Face a Critical Test Ahead of 2027
The reported clashes between supporters of rival political movements, alongside allegations of attacks across several states, have intensified concerns about the conditions under which the 2027 elections will take place.
INEC, the police, political parties and governments at all levels face growing pressure to ensure that citizens can attend meetings, support candidates and vote without fear.
The priority is not simply to record incidents but to prevent attacks, protect vulnerable communities and investigate allegations fairly.
Nigeria’s experience in Lagos during the 2023 elections offers a warning about the consequences of intimidation and inflammatory political rhetoric.
Whether the country can avoid a repeat will depend on the actions of political leaders and the ability of public institutions to enforce the law impartially before tensions escalate further.