At least 27 people have been killed in 70 election-related attacks recorded across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory between January 1 and October 27, 2026, raising concerns over the growing threat of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development (CentreSGD) disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Executive Director, Theresa Chigozirim Odinkalu-Okoro.
The organisation warned that the rising incidents of violence against political candidates, supporters, campaign convoys and party offices could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections and discourage citizens from participating in the democratic process.
Citing the CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Threat Assessment and Yiaga Africa’s National Voting Intentions Survey conducted in September 2026, CentreSGD said 61 per cent of Nigerians feared that violence could prevent them from exercising their voting rights.
The survey further showed that the level of concern was significantly higher in the North-East, where 78 per cent of respondents expressed fears that insecurity and political violence could disrupt their participation in the elections.
Among the incidents identified by the organisation were attacks on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, as well as assaults on All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign convoys in Malumfashi and Yankara, Katsina State.
It also listed the attack on the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his entourage in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Other reported incidents included allegations of an attack on the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State and assaults on ADC campaign convoys in Kebbi State, including that of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
CentreSGD, however, clarified that some of the reported incidents had been disputed by the political parties and authorities concerned.
It stressed that its report was not intended to establish the guilt of any individual or political group but to draw attention to the growing security threats and the need for credible investigations.
The organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate all reported election-related attacks promptly, transparently and without political interference.
It further demanded the prosecution of individuals found responsible, including those who may have sponsored or financed the violence.
Warning against the growing normalisation of political attacks, the centre said elections should be determined by public support and competing policy ideas rather than intimidation and physical force.
“Elections should be a contest of ideas and popular mandate, not a test of physical force or armed coercion,” it stated.
Spotted an error? Read our Corrections Policy or tell the editors.
Got a story or a tip? Contact Leading Reporters. We protect our sources.
