The Nigeria Police Force and the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, have stepped up efforts to contain rising political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The police are investigating controversial comments allegedly made by the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo; and Osun East Senator, Francis Fadahunsi.
The move follows a series of alleged threats, inflammatory statements and political attacks that have raised concerns about violence as parties intensify mobilisation for the 2027 polls.
The National Peace Committee has activated a situation room and an Electoral Offences Tracking System to monitor violations of the political accord, electoral laws and other regulations.
The committee said it was documenting both violent and non-violent incidents and would forward relevant cases to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the police for necessary action.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have accused the All Progressives Congress-led government of heightening political tension, while the APC dismissed the allegations as unsupported by evidence.
Police spokesman, Ani Iniedu, warned political actors against making inciting statements, stressing that such comments, particularly those linked to the electoral process, constitute a criminal offence.
The police also confirmed that 154 persons arrested during the August 15 Osun State governorship election remain under investigation.
The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development’s Council of the Wise has also urged presidential candidates and their supporters to shun hate speech, inflammatory remarks and violence during the 2027 campaigns.
The council called for issue-based campaigns and strict compliance with electoral laws to ensure peaceful, free and credible elections.
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