The National Peace Committee has recorded 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory within 10 weeks, warning that political violence, intimidation and misinformation could threaten peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The committee’s monitoring report, covering August 19 to October 27, identified political violence and thuggery as the leading violations, with 33 incidents, followed by 29 cases of misinformation and disinformation. Other reported breaches included 19 attacks on political activities and campaign assets, 15 cases of intimidation and threats, seven restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, four inflammatory statements, one intra-party conflict and one case of voter inducement.
Kaduna recorded the highest number of incidents with nine, while Edo, Enugu and the FCT recorded seven each. The committee identified Enugu, Oyo, Edo and Cross River as states requiring urgent attention over recurring armed disruptions. It also cited incidents in Oyo, including violence during a political procession in Ibadan between October 14 and 17, which reportedly claimed one life, as well as the alleged killing of an APC ward member days later.
The committee warned that restricted campaign access, armed political mobilisation, coercion by public office-holders, information disorder and declining institutional credibility posed major risks to the elections. It urged political parties and candidates to condemn violence, disown armed groups and discipline members involved in violations. Security agencies were also asked to provide equal protection for lawful political gatherings and investigate reported incidents.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has urged members of the 2027 Election Petition Tribunals to prioritise substantial justice and avoid technicalities that could undermine the credibility of electoral dispute resolution. He said the tribunals must ensure fairness, impartiality and timely decisions based on credible evidence.
In another development, INEC warned political leaders and the media against promoting the slogan “Rig and Die”, describing it as dangerous to the safety of voters, electoral officials and observers. The commission urged Nigerians to challenge suspected electoral malpractice through lawful channels rather than threats or violence.
However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused INEC of double standards, questioning its response to the slogan while alleging that the commission had remained silent over a reported threat involving AK-47 rifles attributed to the Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe. The party called for consistent action against inflammatory statements, irrespective of the political affiliation of those involved.
The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, while governorship and State Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
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