2027 Elections: Police, Peace Committee Step Up Efforts to Prevent Political Violence

Security and peace-building authorities have intensified efforts to prevent political violence and rising tensions as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections. The Nigeria Police Force and the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), have begun taking steps to address inflammatory statements, threats and other activities considered capable of undermining the electoral process. The development follows a series of controversial remarks by political actors in recent weeks, raising concerns among stakeholders about the possibility of intimidation and violence as political campaigns gather momentum. The police have commenced investigations into comments allegedly made by Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo; and Osun East Senatorial District representative, Francis Fadahunsi. Shekwolo recently came under criticism after a viral video showed him warning residents who did not support the All Progressives Congress to leave the council ahead of the 2027 elections. Buba was also accused of threatening to flog residents who refused to support the APC. Fadahunsi, meanwhile, faced backlash following remarks made during a gathering in Ilesa, Osun State, amid heightened political tensions surrounding the state’s governorship election. The incidents have renewed concerns about the role of inflammatory rhetoric in Nigeria’s electoral politics, particularly as political parties intensify their mobilisation ahead of 2027. In response, the National Peace Committee has activated a situation room and an Electoral Offences Tracking System to monitor violations of the political accord, electoral laws and other relevant regulations. The committee’s Head of Secretariat, Fr. Atta Barkindo, said the monitoring system covers activities and statements by political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders. According to him, the committee is documenting both violent and non-violent violations and forwarding relevant information to the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission for appropriate action. The committee is also advocating the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission by the National Assembly to strengthen the enforcement of electoral laws. Meanwhile, opposition parties have accused the ruling APC of contributing to the rising political tension, alleging that threats and intimidation could discourage voters from participating in the elections. The APC, however, rejected the allegations, challenging its accusers to provide evidence. The party's Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, argued that there was no reason for a ruling party seeking re-election to deliberately create chaos. Beyond the political accusations, peace advocates have urged candidates and their supporters to focus on issues rather than hate speech, threats and personal attacks. With political activities already intensifying, the latest actions by the police and the National Peace Committee signal growing attention to election security ahead of 2027. Stakeholders are expected to play a greater role in ensuring that political competition does not degenerate into violence, while Nigerians retain the freedom to participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.