The National Peace Committee (NPC) has raised concerns over the growing number of reported violations of the political peace accord ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, revealing that 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have recorded a total of 109 violations.
The development has renewed concerns about political tensions, compliance with electoral guidelines and the commitment of political actors to peaceful conduct as preparations for the next general elections continue.
The Peace Committee’s disclosure highlights the need for political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to respect agreements designed to prevent violence, intimidation and other actions capable of threatening the credibility of the electoral process.
Political violence, misinformation top violations
According to the NPC monitoring report covering August 19 to October 27, political violence and thuggery accounted for the highest number of violations, with 33 incidents, representing 30.3 per cent of the total.
Misinformation and disinformation ranked second, with 29 reported cases, representing 26.6 per cent. The committee warned that the spread of false information, misleading political narratives and fabricated claims could increase tensions among supporters of different political parties.
The report also documented 19 attacks on political activities and campaign materials, accounting for 17.4 per cent of the recorded violations.
Similarly, 15 incidents of intimidation and threats were recorded, representing 13.8 per cent of the total.
Other violations included seven incidents involving restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, four inflammatory statements, one intra-party conflict and one case of voter inducement.
The four leading categories accounted for 96 of the 109 recorded incidents, representing approximately 88 per cent of the total violations.
Kaduna, Edo and Enugu identified as political flashpoints
The committee identified several states requiring closer attention because of recurring incidents of political violence, threats and disruptions of political gatherings.
Kaduna recorded the highest number of violations, with nine incidents, while Edo, Enugu and the Federal Capital Territory each recorded seven.
Enugu, Oyo, Edo and Cross River were specifically identified as areas requiring urgent attention because of reported armed disruptions of political activities.
The committee also identified Benue and Kogi as areas facing potential security concerns surrounding political convoys and movements.
Among the incidents highlighted was the reported obstruction of the convoy of former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, near Makurdi, Benue State, on September 8.
In Enugu State, the report documented repeated armed disruptions of political gatherings and party premises involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party between September and October.
Another incident involved the disruption of a PDP consultation meeting by gunmen in Calabar South, Cross River State, on October 2.
The committee also cited the reported shooting of an African Democratic Congress supporter during political engagements in Igueben, Edo State, on October 6.
In Oyo State, violence during a political procession in Ibadan between October 14 and 17 reportedly claimed one life. An APC ward member was also allegedly killed days later.
The report noted that allegations linking a local government official to the violence were denied.
Committee raises alarm over intimidation and threats
Beyond physical attacks, the National Peace Committee expressed concern over the increasing use of threats and intimidation to influence political activities and citizens’ decisions.
It documented 15 incidents involving alleged intimidation by political office-holders and party officials across Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi and the FCT.
One of the incidents involved an alleged threat by an APC state chairman to unleash AK-47 fire on individuals obstructing a political target.
Another concerned the chairman of Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State, who allegedly warned civil servants against voting for candidates other than his preferred choice.
The committee also raised concerns about attempts to use religious affiliations to influence political decisions.
It cited an alleged appeal by an APC-affiliated lawmaker in Oyo State urging Muslim voters to reject Christian candidates.
According to the committee, such statements could deepen religious divisions and encourage discrimination within the political environment.
It stressed that political leaders should respect the rights of Nigerians to support candidates of their choice, irrespective of religious, ethnic or other affiliations.
Misinformation poses additional threat to 2027 elections
The NPC also expressed concern about the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly through social media platforms.
It disclosed that 30 incidents originated online, with several lacking identifiable state locations because digital information can spread across geographical boundaries.
The committee warned that false political information could damage reputations, distort public discussions, create unnecessary tension and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
It further explained that political intimidation does not always involve physical attacks, noting that threats, fabricated information and divisive statements could influence voters even before they arrive at polling stations.
Of the 109 recorded violations, 57 incidents, representing approximately 52 per cent, did not involve physical attacks.
The finding highlights the importance of addressing both physical and non-physical forms of electoral violations as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Restrictions on political participation also reported
The committee recorded seven incidents involving restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Among the cases highlighted was the arrest and subsequent charging of some individuals in Borno State over wearing shirts bearing anti-government messages.
It also cited the police dispersal of a political support-group march in Akwa Ibom State.
The NPC warned that unjustified restrictions on lawful political gatherings, demonstrations and public expression could discourage citizens from participating in democratic activities.
It urged security agencies and relevant authorities to respect constitutional rights while maintaining public order and protecting lives and property.
Political parties feature in the reported violations
The monitoring report also examined the involvement of political parties in the recorded incidents, identifying parties both as alleged actors and as targets.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) featured as an actor in 24 incidents and a target in 23 cases.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was identified as an actor in four incidents but a target in 28 cases, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) featured as an actor in two incidents and a target in 15 cases.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was identified as an actor in four incidents and a target in six cases.
The Allied People’s Movement featured as an actor in one incident and a target in two, while the Accord, Action Alliance and All Progressives Grand Alliance were each identified as targets in one incident.
The figures reflect the incidents documented by the committee and should not, on their own, be interpreted as proof of criminal responsibility by any political party or individual.
NPC identifies five major risks ahead of 2027 polls
Looking ahead, the committee identified five major risks that could undermine peaceful political activities and the credibility of the 2027 elections.
These include restricted access to political campaigns, armed political mobilisation, coercion by public office-holders, information disorder and declining institutional credibility.
The committee warned that allowing these challenges to continue without appropriate intervention could create an environment in which political disagreements develop into violence and discourage citizens from exercising their democratic rights.
It therefore called for increased cooperation among political parties, candidates, security agencies, electoral authorities and civil society organisations to prevent further violations.
Committee recommends urgent action
To address the growing concerns, the National Peace Committee recommended a four-stage response involving independent verification of reported incidents, protection of lawful political participation, institutional and political party responses, and transparent investigations with accountability.
It urged political parties and their candidates to publicly condemn violence, distance themselves from armed groups and clarify threatening statements made by their officials or supporters.
The committee also called on party leadership to take disciplinary action against members found responsible for violating the peace accord and to correct misleading information capable of increasing political tensions.
Security agencies, particularly the police, were urged to provide equal protection for all lawful political gatherings, regardless of the political affiliations of organisers.
The committee further called for proper investigations into reported attacks and the regular publication of updates on the progress of such investigations.
It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant legal institutions to refer credible cases of electoral offences under Sections 97, 120 and 125 of the Electoral Act for appropriate legal action.
Additionally, the NPC stressed the importance of distinguishing between complaints, arrests, criminal charges and final court judgments when communicating information about alleged electoral violations.
19 political parties had earlier signed peace accord
The latest findings come less than three months after 19 political parties signed the National Peace Accord in Abuja on August 18, committing themselves to peaceful campaigns and issue-based political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The agreement was designed to encourage political tolerance, discourage violence and ensure that candidates and their supporters respect democratic principles throughout the electoral process.
According to the electoral timetable cited in the report, presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are expected to take place on February 6, 2027.
Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections commenced on August 19, while campaigns for governorship and State Assembly elections began on September 9.
However, the 109 reported violations recorded within the first 10 weeks of monitoring have raised questions about the level of compliance with the agreement.
The National Peace Committee warned that signing the accord would not be enough to guarantee peaceful elections unless political parties, candidates and their supporters demonstrated genuine commitment to its provisions.
It maintained that the responsibility for peaceful elections rests not only on political leaders but also on security agencies, electoral institutions, media organisations and ordinary citizens.
The committee therefore urged all stakeholders to prioritise peaceful political engagement, respect opposing views and reject actions capable of threatening the safety of Nigerians.