The National Peace Committee has documented 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, expressing concern over the rising incidents of political violence, intimidation and misinformation as preparations gradually intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The committee, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, identified several flashpoints where recurring attacks, armed interference in political activities and threats against political stakeholders pose significant risks to peaceful electoral engagement.
Findings contained in its latest monitoring report showed that the violations occurred between August 19 and October 27, covering the first 10 weeks of political activities in the build-up to the elections.
Kaduna State topped the list with nine recorded incidents, followed by Edo, Enugu and the FCT, which each reported seven cases.
Political violence, thuggery, misinformation and disinformation emerged as the most prevalent forms of electoral-related misconduct documented during the period.
The committee cautioned that the developments could discourage political participation and heighten insecurity among candidates, party supporters and members of the public.
According to the monitoring findings, the 109 incidents translated to an average of approximately 11 violations every week, indicating the scale of challenges confronting efforts to sustain political peace.
Political violence and thuggery accounted for 33 cases, representing 30.3 per cent of the total violations, while misinformation and disinformation contributed 29 incidents, equivalent to 26.6 per cent.
Attacks on political events, gatherings and campaign materials constituted 19 cases, while intimidation and threats were responsible for another 15 incidents.
Providing a breakdown of the findings, the report stated that “33 incidents of political violence and thuggery, representing 30.3 per cent of the total, while 29 cases of misinformation and disinformation accounted for 26.6 per cent.
“Attacks on political activities and campaign assets accounted for 19 incidents, representing 17.4 per cent, while intimidation and threats recorded 15 cases, or 13.8 per cent.”
Other categories of violations included seven cases involving interference with freedom of expression and assembly, four inflammatory remarks, one intra-party dispute and a single incident of voter inducement.
The committee explained that the four most frequently reported categories collectively represented 96 of the 109 documented cases, accounting for approximately 88 per cent of the violations recorded.
It also observed that physical violence was absent in a substantial proportion of the incidents monitored.
The report disclosed that “The four leading categories accounted for 88 per cent, representing 96 of the 109 breaches recorded during the monitoring period. And 57 incidents, representing 52 per cent of the total, did not involve physical attacks”.
The committee warned that intimidation, the deliberate spread of misleading information, inflammatory political comments and restrictions on legitimate gatherings could erode public trust in the electoral process.
It noted that an increasingly hostile political environment could undermine voters’ ability to independently determine and communicate their electoral choices without fear or external pressure.
States identified as requiring increased monitoring include Kaduna, Edo, Enugu, Cross River, Kogi, Borno, Oyo, Taraba and Ebonyi, where various forms of political tensions and violations were reported.
The monitoring exercise also highlighted several incidents involving political movements, campaign activities and party gatherings in different parts of the country.
Among the incidents was the reported obstruction of the convoy belonging to former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, around Makurdi, Benue State, on September 8.
Enugu State also featured prominently in the report, with the committee documenting repeated interruptions of political meetings and gatherings organised by members of the NDC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Some of the disturbances reportedly involved armed persons who disrupted party activities and targeted political facilities between September and October.
In another development, armed men allegedly stormed a PDP consultation meeting in Calabar South, Cross River State, on October 2, disrupting the gathering.
Similarly, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) supporter was reportedly shot during political activities in Igueben, Edo State, on October 6.
Oyo State also recorded serious incidents of political violence, including fatalities linked to political activities.
According to the committee, a violent confrontation during a political procession in Ibadan between October 14 and 17 claimed one life. An APC ward member was also reportedly murdered a few days after the incident.
However, the report clarified that allegations connecting a local government official to the violence had been denied.
Beyond attacks and disruptions, the committee raised concerns about the alleged use of political influence and public positions to threaten individuals who declined to support the interests of particular politicians or political parties.
It documented 15 cases of intimidation and threats across different locations, including Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi and the FCT.
One of the incidents involved an alleged statement by an APC state chairman threatening to unleash AK-47 fire against individuals perceived to be obstructing an electoral objective.
The report also referenced an alleged warning by the chairman of Ibi Local Government Area in Taraba State, who reportedly threatened civil servants against voting for candidates outside his preferred political choice.
The committee further identified the alleged exploitation of religious beliefs and family relationships as emerging methods of exerting pressure on voters.
In Oyo State, an APC-affiliated legislator was reportedly accused of encouraging Muslim voters to reject candidates who are Christians.
Another incident documented in Yobe State involved a party official who allegedly advised women to abandon their husbands if they supported opposing political parties.
The committee expressed concern that bringing religion, marital relationships and public authority into political competition could infringe on citizens’ constitutional freedoms and undermine their right to make independent electoral decisions.
It also identified growing concerns surrounding restrictions on political expression, freedom of assembly and peaceful participation in democratic activities.
Seven incidents were recorded under this category, including the arrest and subsequent prosecution of individuals in Borno State over the wearing of shirts bearing messages critical of the government.
In Akwa Ibom State, the police reportedly dispersed a procession organised by a political support group, prompting further concerns about the protection of peaceful political activities.
The committee emphasised that Nigerians must be able to communicate their political opinions, organise lawful gatherings and demonstrate support for candidates without facing unjustified restrictions.
On the spread of misinformation, the report identified fabricated newspaper publications, altered campaign materials, misleading videos and forged official documents as prominent instruments being deployed to manipulate political narratives.
A total of 29 incidents involving false or misleading political information were documented, including fabricated statements allegedly attributed to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
The committee observed that previously recorded campaign videos were being recirculated to create misleading impressions about recent political developments, endorsements and activities.
It also identified forged correspondence purportedly associated with President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi, alongside counterfeit newspaper front pages containing political statements that the individuals concerned had never made.
Warning about the consequences of the development, the committee stated that “The circulation of false political content could distort public debate, damage reputations and deepen mistrust among political groups.”
The monitoring exercise further established that 30 of the reported violations originated from online platforms, with several incidents proving difficult to associate with specific states because the information had circulated across multiple locations.
The committee also assessed the roles played by political parties in the documented cases, distinguishing between parties allegedly responsible for particular violations and those identified as victims or targets.
Providing details of the party-by-party assessment, it stated, “The All Progressives Congress was an actor in 24 incidents and a target in 23, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was identified as an actor in four incidents and a target in 28 cases.
“The African Democratic Congress was named as an actor in two incidents and targeted in 15, while the PDP featured as an actor in four cases and a target in six incidents.
“The Allied People’s Movement was identified as an actor in one incident and targeted in two, while the Accord, Action Alliance and All Progressives Grand Alliance were targeted in an incident.”
As the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the National Peace Committee outlined five significant threats that could undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the polls if left unaddressed.
These include denial of access to campaign locations, the mobilisation of armed political groups, intimidation by individuals occupying public offices, the circulation of fabricated information and declining public confidence in government institutions.
Enugu, Oyo, Edo and Cross River were singled out for particular attention because of recurring reports of armed interference in political gatherings and activities.
Similarly, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi and the FCT were identified as areas of concern over reported intimidation and threats allegedly involving public office-holders.
Benue and Kogi were also highlighted because of potential security challenges associated with political convoys and the movement of political actors.
To address the situation and prevent further deterioration, the committee proposed a four-pronged intervention framework covering independent verification of complaints, protection of legitimate political activities, responses from political parties and relevant institutions, as well as transparent investigations and accountability.
It called on political parties and their candidates to openly condemn violence and ensure that their supporters refrain from threatening, harassing or attacking individuals associated with opposing political platforms.
Party leaders were equally urged to publicly disassociate themselves from armed groups and enforce appropriate disciplinary measures against members whose actions threaten peaceful political competition.
The committee further charged security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, with the responsibility of ensuring that all political parties and candidates receive equal protection during rallies, consultations, meetings and other lawful campaign engagements.
It also urged the police to conduct thorough investigations into reported cases of political attacks and regularly communicate developments in such investigations to the public to discourage impunity and ensure accountability.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant legal institutions were also urged to strengthen enforcement measures by ensuring that credible allegations of electoral offences are appropriately referred for prosecution in accordance with Sections 97, 120 and 125 of the Electoral Act.
The committee stressed the importance of accurate and responsible communication by public institutions, particularly when providing updates on alleged electoral violations and related criminal proceedings.
It cautioned against treating allegations, arrests or criminal charges as proof of guilt, insisting that such matters must be clearly distinguished from convictions established through the appropriate judicial process.
The National Peace Committee maintained that the effectiveness and credibility of the National Peace Accord would ultimately depend on the commitment of political parties, candidates and public institutions to respect their obligations and demonstrate genuine willingness to uphold peaceful democratic competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
