The National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has raised the alarm over increasing political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, revealing that 109 violations of the National Peace Accord were recorded across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 10 weeks.
The findings were contained in the committee's monitoring report covering August 19 to October 27, 2026, which identified political thuggery, violence and the circulation of false information as major threats to peaceful electoral campaigns.
The report showed that 33 cases involved political violence and thuggery, while 29 were linked to misinformation and disinformation. Attacks on campaign activities and political materials accounted for 19 incidents, while threats and intimidation recorded 15 cases.
Kaduna topped the list with nine reported violations, followed by Edo, Enugu and the FCT, which recorded seven incidents each. The committee also identified Oyo and Cross River among areas requiring closer attention because of repeated attacks and disruptions of political gatherings.
Among the incidents highlighted were the reported obstruction of Peter Obi's convoy in Benue State, armed attacks on political meetings in Enugu and Cross River, and the alleged shooting of an ADC supporter in Edo State.
The committee expressed concern that the use of armed groups, threats by political office holders, inflammatory remarks and fabricated information could heighten tensions and discourage citizens from participating freely in the electoral process.
It consequently urged political parties and their candidates to publicly reject violence, distance themselves from armed groups and take disciplinary action against members implicated in threats. Security agencies were also asked to protect all lawful political activities without discrimination and investigate reported offences.
The committee further called on INEC and other relevant institutions to ensure that credible electoral violations were properly investigated and prosecuted, warning that failure to hold offenders accountable could weaken public confidence in the 2027 elections.
