Rising Violence and Hate Speech Ahead of 2027 Elections

On Thursday, 12 November, some thugs attacked supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State. The attack left several people injured and damaged properties, including vehicles belonging to party members.

The hoodlums, armed with cutlasses and stones, stormed the meeting venue, disrupted the gathering, and chased away the party’s supporters. Before the attack, many supporters, dressed in the party’s colors, were dancing and singing. But the chaos caused panic, and supporters fled for safety. Police officers later came to restore order and ease the tension.

Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, were not present when the incident happened. Some believe the attack was aimed at them, not to harm them but to disrupt their campaign efforts.

Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, is running for president again. He first ran for the top political position in 2023 under the Labour Party, finishing third. In that election, he won Lagos State, a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Bola Tinubu, with 582,354 votes.

Earlier in 2019, Obi had teamed up with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Atiku later switched to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and is running for president in the 2027 election. Obi also left the LP for the ADC and then moved to the NDC.

Both Atiku and Obi are among the 18 presidential candidates cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 16 January 2027 election. Other candidates include President Bola Tinubu of the APC, seeking a second term, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Sandy Onor (PDP), Omoyele Sowore (AAC), former Cross River Governor Donald Duke (PRP), and Adewole Adebayo (SDP).

The commission also approved governorship candidates for 28 of the 36 states where elections will take place on 6 February 2027. It also cleared candidates for the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly elections. Following the election schedule, candidates were told to start their campaigns.

While presidential and National Assembly candidates kicked off their campaigns on 19 August, those for governorship and State Houses of Assembly began a month later. Since the campaigns started, there have been violent attacks on campaign rallies, town hall meetings, and other political events by parties seeking support.

As the elections approach, political activities across Nigeria are increasingly marked by violence, intimidation, and threats. Campaigns for presidential candidates and opposition parties face security challenges in various regions, including attacks on convoys, disruptions of gatherings, and confrontations among party supporters.

In some cases, presidential candidates claimed their lives or those of their supporters were at risk. Political gatherings have been disrupted, vehicles damaged, and attendees injured or killed.

Other incidents

On 13 September, unknown gunmen attacked a state-wide monthly ward meeting of the NDC in Ihuani Awkunanaw, Enugu State, which is the hometown of the party’s governorship candidate, Christian Ohaa. At least eight party members were hurt, and several materials, canopies, and plastic chairs were destroyed.

Sampson Ukwu, media aide to the NDC governorship candidate, identified the victims as Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara, and Obinna Daniel Owo.

On 18 September, suspected political thugs disrupted a rally for supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso in Warri, Delta State. Esther Umoh, a photographer with Obi, alleged that attackers shot at members of the campaign team, including the party’s Delta State governorship candidate's entourage.

While the full details of the incident were not confirmed, the police did not deny that an attack took place. This raised questions about the security arrangements for opposition campaign activities and candidates' ability to move freely during the elections.

On 10 October, gunmen invaded an NDC gathering in Afa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, resulting in the death of a young man, Ifeanyi Nwolie.

After the incident, Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, pledged to provide financial support to the mother of the deceased supporter.

On 30 October, AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore claimed he and his team were attacked in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The attack happened at Tawakalitu Restaurant after Sowore attended an interview at MIDAS FM.

He alleged that armed men assaulted him and his team with sticks and machetes. Communication devices were stolen, vehicle tyres were cut, and other property was damaged. He described the incident as an assassination attempt and called for an independent investigation. The police said it was an altercation and arrested 11 suspects.

Sowore questioned the police’s version and demanded that relevant electronic evidence, like CCTV footage, be preserved. The suspects faced multiple charges, including conspiracy and assault, and were granted bail with the case adjourned until 4 December.

The disagreement between Sowore and the police about the incident raises concerns about the transparency of investigations into attacks involving political figures. While arrests mark some progress, the evidence presented in court will be important in determining what really happened.

In Sokoto State, another violent incident occurred on 31 October. The ADC governorship candidate, Manir Dan’iya, was attacked near the airport.

The party claimed that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and state Community Guard blocked his convoy, fired shots, and damaged vehicles. They also said two State Security Service (SSS) operatives accompanying Dan’iya were detained.

However, Sokoto State APC chairman, Haruna Adiya, denied the attack, calling it false claims aimed at discrediting the state government. He said the security deployment was for a traditional title ceremony and was not meant to disrupt ADC’s political activities.

The police confirmed they were aware of the incident and began investigations. The SSS stated its operatives secured Dan’iya's safety and that two of its personnel were injured while protecting him. Atiku, the ADC’s presidential candidate, condemned the incident and called it troubling.

This incident is significant as it involves allegations against state-linked security personnel. It raises questions about the neutrality of security officials during political campaigns and their duty to protect all candidates.

On 4 November, Obi’s convoy was attacked near Watt Market Roundabout in Calabar, Cross River State.

The attack happened as he returned from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to the Metropolitan Hotel for a town hall meeting. Suspected hoodlums attacked vehicles in the convoy with sticks and machetes, breaking some windscreens.

Reports say the attackers came from Calabar Road and Clerks Alley, damaging the convoy's windscreens. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, Victor Duke. However, the police noted that the arrest does not prove guilt, and investigations continue.

Obi accused APC supporters of being behind the attack. The police said they had not confirmed the attackers' political affiliations or if any political group sponsored them. Another confrontation occurred between NDC and APC supporters near the Metropolitan Hotel, but the police said it was just two groups crossing paths and had not connected it to the convoy attack.

On 7 November, a political procession organized by NDC supporters and the Obidient Movement on Nnebisi Road in Asaba, Delta State, turned violent, resulting in one death and five injuries. The Delta State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating it had warned the party and the Obidient Movement against holding an open-road rally due to intelligence suggesting potential violence.

The police advised the organizers to hold the rally at a designated venue, but they reportedly ignored the advice and went ahead with the procession, which later turned chaotic. The command criticized the party and movement for not heeding the warning.

On 11 November, armed thugs attacked the campaign convoy of PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State, Isa Pantami, along Jekadafari Road. The attackers blocked the road with tyres, set them ablaze, and smashed the windscreens of several vehicles, causing a traffic jam.

Amnesty International condemned the attack, saying initial findings suggested that the attackers worked for the ruling APC. However, this allegation has not been independently verified.

The National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, recently reported 109 violations of the National Peace Accord across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory during a monitoring period from 19 August to 27 October.

The report noted that political violence and thuggery were the most common violations, accounting for 33 incidents. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED) reported over 30 attacks targeting political campaigns, candidates, supporters, convoys, and gatherings since the presidential and National Assembly campaigns began on 19 August.

ACLED noted that these incidents led to more than 10 deaths and many injuries. The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development (CentreSGD) reported 70 physical election-related attacks across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory between 1 January and 27 October 2026, resulting in 27 deaths in 20 of those incidents.

Hate, divisive outbursts

Besides physical assaults, comments from some political leaders and party officials have raised concerns about the environment in which Nigerians will vote. Some politicians have made divisive statements that make people question if politics and governance are about serving the people.

In Edo State, the APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, was quoted as invoking ‘AK-47 fire’ against anyone who might stop the party from getting 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027.

In the Federal Capital Territory, Kuje Area Council Chairman, Samuel Shekwolo, appeared in a viral video in August telling residents they must support the APC or leave the area. In Borno State, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, was seen in another viral video threatening that people who refuse to support the APC in the 2027 elections will be flogged during a campaign event organized by the Tinubu City Boy Movement.

Though the commissioner later apologized, this incident shows the thin line between political mobilization and coercing citizens by public officials. These threats came after a controversial one by Senator Francis Fadahunsi from Osun East before an off-cycle governorship election in August. Fadahunsi, an APC member, was recorded in a viral video threatening members of the opposition Accord Party. He later clarified that he meant defeating the opposition politically, not physically harming them.

In Edo State, Esan West Local Government Chairman, Blessing Ebhodaghe, reportedly directed commercial drivers to wear APC caps or risk being removed from motor parks. Global Rights also highlighted a threat from the chairman of Ibi Local Government Area in Taraba State, an APC member, against civil servants who might vote for candidates outside his preference.

These events are happening amidst worries from election observers about the security of political campaigns. This raises questions about whether political parties can campaign freely, if security agencies are protecting political figures, and if Nigerians can support their preferred candidates without fear.

Security agencies and accountability

The reactions of security agencies to the reported incidents will be crucial in deciding if the government is protecting political activities and holding wrongdoers accountable. In Calabar, after Obi’s convoy was attacked, police announced an arrest and said investigations were ongoing.

In Ekiti, the police arrested 11 suspects following Sowore’s claims. However, the AAC candidate challenged the police’s account and called for an independent investigation. In Sokoto, the SSS said its operatives protected the ADC governorship candidate and that two SSS officials were hurt during the attack. The police also confirmed they were looking into the incident. In Delta State, where violence in Asaba resulted in one death and five injuries, police said they were investigating the clash.

These responses show that security agencies have taken some steps to investigate. But arrests and announcements of investigations do not always lead to accountability.

Legal framework

Nigeria’s election laws ban the use of violence and threats to force citizens to support or reject a political party or candidate. Section 97(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits any political party, candidate, or individual from threatening anyone with force or violence to compel or prevent political support.

This provision is significant for protecting citizens against threats related to their political choices. Global Rights has also emphasized this provision while monitoring the 2027 electoral environment.

Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to assemble freely and associate with others, including joining political parties. Section 39 protects freedom of expression, while Section 14(2)(b) states that the security and welfare of the people are the government's primary purpose.

Concerns and condemnations

The increasing cases of attacks and hate speech have drawn condemnation from groups and individuals worried they could threaten Nigeria’s democratic path. The Presidential Campaign Council of the APC, whose supporters have faced accusations for some attacks, condemned the wave of violence against political gatherings nationwide.

In a recent statement from its spokesperson, Dele Alake, the council urged security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute those behind attacks on political gatherings, regardless of their political ties. Nigerian lawmakers are also concerned about the rise in violence. Last Thursday, the House of Representatives resolved to investigate incidents of violence during political campaigns across Nigeria after reports of attacks, injuries, deaths, and disruptions of political activities.

President Tinubu has voiced concerns over the rising violence. In a statement from his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the president warned politicians and their supporters against violence, saying his administration would not tolerate actions that could disrupt public order during the election period.

“As the leader of this country, I commit myself to a peaceful, free, and fair election, and I urge political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly. I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies,” he said.

President Tinubu ordered security agencies to take strong action against thugs and other actions against democracy. “Security agencies are therefore authorized to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” he stated.

But Human Rights lawyer Femi Falana says the government must do more than just arrest suspected political thugs. He called for accountability for those who recruit, finance, and arm them. “I suggest that INEC should have a prosecution unit to get reports from the police and other security agencies about electoral offenses and then take them to court,” he said.

He also criticized the National Assembly for not implementing the recommendation for an Electoral Offences Commission, stating that the lack of an effective prosecution mechanism allows politicians involved in electoral violence to avoid responsibility. Ifeanyi Odili, the President of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), suggested that security authorities investigate who organized the attacks, whether political actors were involved, if weapons were used, and who provided financial or logistical support.

Kazeem Odekunle, spokesperson for the Campaign for Peace, a non-governmental organization promoting peaceful coexistence among political parties, said political parties must ensure their supporters don’t become violent or intimidate others. “Political parties also have a responsibility to ensure that their supporters do not resort to violence or intimidation. The APC, as the ruling party, should explain what measures it has taken to address threats attributed to its officials and members,” he said.

“The opposition parties, meanwhile, should be asked whether their own supporters have been involved in violence, intimidation, or attacks on rival political activities. This is necessary to ensure that investigations examine political violence across party lines rather than attributing responsibility without evidence,” he told PREMIUM TIMES.

What Nigerians may lose

Beyond political rivalry, these incidents can seriously affect ordinary citizens and the integrity of the electoral process. Political campaigns offer visible chances for citizens to meet candidates, hear their plans, ask questions, and show support for their chosen parties. When violence interrupts these events, the fallout goes beyond candidates and party officials.

Supporters may hesitate to attend rallies, residents might avoid political events, and community members could fear publicly supporting opposition parties. This atmosphere of fear can reduce citizens’ involvement in the electoral process, especially in areas where political intimidation is common.

It can also hinder candidates, mainly those from opposition parties, from reaching voters, communicating their policies, and competing fairly. Ultimately, an election cannot be genuinely free and competitive if citizens are intimidated into silence or stopped from supporting their chosen candidates. The responsibility for preventing such an outcome lies not only with security agencies but also with political parties, candidates, and public officials, whose actions can either support or weaken democratic participation.