2027: From Convoy Attacks To Rally Disruptions, Political Tension Mounts Across States

Political parties, supporters raise the alarm over growing hostility  |  IGP, NSCDC boss reads riot act, orders arrest of sponsors

BY EJIKE EJIKE, FELIX IGBEKOYI, Asaba; AHMED TAHIR, Lafia; RICHARD NDOMA, Calabar; ABU NMODU, Minna; NNAMDI MBAWIKE, Enugu; AND ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

As Nigeria inches towards the 2027 general elections, attacks on political convoys, disruptions of party activities and violent confrontations across several states are raising concerns about the safety of political participation and the preparedness of security agencies to guarantee peaceful electioneering.

From Delta and Nasarawa to Cross River, Niger, Enugu and Rivers states, incidents involving political supporters, campaign gatherings and party facilities have intensified calls for tolerance, accountability and stronger security measures.

The latest concerns followed the November 4, 2026, attack on the campaign convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Calabar, Cross River State.

RELATED: Police Arrest Suspect Over Attack On Peter Obi’s Convoy In Calabar

Other incidents include the disruption of political gatherings in Delta and Nasarawa, arrests over political thuggery in Niger, clashes involving NDC members in Enugu and the destruction of an opposition party billboard in Rivers.

Delta: Government Officials, Political Candidate Attacked

Political violence recently came into focus in Delta State following an attack on Hon. Temple Mudi, a Senior Special Assistant to the governor, during a party meeting at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun.

Mudi was reportedly attacked with stones, machetes and bottles. The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, was also reportedly attacked, subsequently arrested and taken to court.

In another incident, the governorship candidate of the NDC, Chris Iyovwaye, was allegedly prevented by suspected political thugs from entering a town hall in Agholokpe, his community.

While the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the allegations as concocted and politically motivated, the Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, condemned the reported violence and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, accused the Delta APC of attempting to suppress the truth, questioning claims that the state had maintained peace despite the reported attacks on government officials and the alleged disruption of Iyovwaye’s movement.

He also expressed concern over reports of kidnappings, robberies and cult-related violence in the state.

Nasarawa: Disruption Of APC Rally Draws Condemnation

In Nasarawa State, political leaders and stakeholders condemned the disruption of the APC presidential campaign rally in Lafia, describing it as a threat to democratic participation.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at Lafia Square during the visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu.

A political scientist, Dr Sunday Orinya, and the state Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Danlami Musa, separately called for tolerance and peaceful political engagement.

Orinya warned that allowing violence to determine political leadership would undermine democratic principles and encourage the resolution of disagreements through force rather than dialogue. He urged political actors to respect human rights, tolerate opposing views and embrace peaceful dispute resolution.

Governor Abdullahi Sule subsequently ordered an investigation into the conduct of security personnel and others implicated in the disruption, directing that anyone found culpable should be held accountable.

Musa urged political parties to sensitise their supporters on peaceful conduct, respect electoral guidelines and avoid interfering with rival parties’ activities. He also called on security agencies to apprehend those involved in political violence, including their sponsors.

Cross River: Obi-Kwankwaso Convoy Attack Leaves Supporters Anxious

The attack on Obi and Kwankwaso’s convoy in Calabar has generated anxiety among NDC supporters, traders and residents after stones and other objects were reportedly thrown at vehicles conveying the presidential hopefuls.

The incident occurred at about 2.20 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, as the convoy returned from a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar and headed towards Metropolitan Hotel for a town hall meeting.

According to the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, the attackers emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis, armed with machetes and sticks, damaging the windscreens of some vehicles. Neither Obi nor Kwankwaso was injured.

The attack followed an earlier tense encounter around Metropolitan Hotel, where NDC supporters awaiting Obi reportedly converged with APC supporters participating in a rally and road walk towards Government House.

Police personnel intervened, appealed for restraint and restored calm, allowing both groups to continue their activities. However, the subsequent attack around Watt Market Roundabout raised fresh questions about security arrangements for political movements.

A vegetable seller at Watt Market, Stella Etim, who witnessed the incident, recounted how traders and residents scrambled for safety as stones flew.

An NDC supporter, Clement Edem, who claimed to have been inside one of the vehicles, alleged that the attack was intended to intimidate Obi’s supporters. Another supporter, James Okoi, said the incident was sudden, recalling that stones began hitting vehicles as the convoy moved through the area.

Police personnel reportedly deployed tear gas and chased the attackers. One suspect, identified as 27-year-old Victor Edet Yellow Duke, was arrested and taken to the State Police Headquarters for investigation.

The police said he remained in custody, dismissing reports that he had already been arraigned. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed a thorough investigation to identify other suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Some NDC supporters have called for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved, warning that failure to address the incident could encourage further attacks.

The state NDC Chairman, Goddie Akpama, said the party leadership deliberately chose not to escalate the matter following an apology from the state governor to prevent further tension.

However, the Chairman of the Cross River State Civil Society Network and Executive Director of Africa Dignity Foundation, Ben Usang, condemned the attack, warning that violence against political supporters could discourage citizens from participating in elections.

Enugu: Police Probe Clashes Involving NDC Members

In Enugu State, the police have commenced investigations into violent clashes and shootings involving NDC members.

The incidents reportedly occurred on October 10, 2026, around Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s campaign office in the GRA area.

The police command maintained that the party did not give prior notification or request official security coverage for the affected gatherings.

However, the NDC State Secretary, Emmanuel Nebo, disputed the police account, denying that the party organised an unauthorised grand campaign flag-off at the airport.

A party member, Ugo Chukwu, who claimed to have sustained minor injuries, alleged that suspected thugs arrived on motorcycles and in vehicles to attack members at the party secretariat.

He expressed concern that recurring attacks could discourage party members from participating in the 2027 elections.

Rivers: NDC Raises Alarm Over Destruction Of Billboard

In Rivers State, the NDC condemned the destruction of its billboard at the Port Harcourt International Airport, describing it as an attempt to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the elections.

The incident reportedly occurred weeks after a building belonging to an NDC supporter was razed in Aluu community, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The party’s state spokesman, Sotonye Ijuye-Dagogo, accused political opponents of using intimidation and destruction of property to undermine opposition activities.

He called on security agencies to investigate the incidents and protect political parties and their supporters, insisting that the party would continue its political mobilisation.

The spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, said the command was investigating incidents relating to electoral violence in the state.

Niger: Police Arrest 18 Political Thugs Over Violence, Deaths Of Two

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 18 suspected political thugs over recurring violent clashes in parts of Minna, the state capital, which have reportedly claimed two lives.

The arrests followed violent confrontations in Gbeganu/Gurara, Kafintela/Samande and Angwan-Biri areas of Bosso, resulting in destruction of property and loss of lives.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said operatives of the Anti-Thuggery Unit acted on credible intelligence and conducted operations in the affected areas.

Those arrested include Abdullahi Hassan, Shafiu Yahaya, Mohammed Abdullahi, Idris Bashir, Idris Mohammed, Alhassan Isyaku and Aliyu Isah.

Abiodun also disclosed that hoodlums from Kafintela invaded the Samande area of Tunga, broke into shops and engaged residents in a violent confrontation that resulted in the death of a victim from Kafintela.

Police patrol teams, alongside 12 personnel of the Police Mobile Force, were deployed, leading to additional arrests.

Those arrested in connection with the incident include Maikailu Yakubu, Badamasi Abdullahi, Yusuf Shafiu, Musa Umar, Sanusi Dauda, Sani Abdullahi, Umar Suleiman, Ibrahim Isah, Abdulrazak Yunusa, Sani Sadiq and Shuaibu Salisu.

The police spokesman said searches at the suspects’ residences led to the recovery of dangerous weapons.

He explained that preliminary investigations linked the violence to a reprisal following a confrontation at a party in 2025 at Albishir, which resulted in the death of Sani Mohammed of Gurara.

According to him, youths from Gurara allegedly planned to retaliate and attacked Alhassan Isyaku from Albishir, who had gone to Gurara to carry out furniture work.

The attack reportedly left Aliyu Isah with a deep cut on his right leg and injuries around his neck.

Abiodun said the suspects were subsequently charged to court for conspiracy, thuggery and causing grievous injury.

IGP, NSCDC Boss Warn Politicians, Sponsors

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned politicians against recruiting, financing or mobilising youths to perpetrate violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

He declared that the police would arrest and prosecute anyone involved in attacks on political opponents, intimidation of supporters and disruption of campaign activities.

To prevent further incidents, Disu directed commissioners of police in all state commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to adopt proactive measures, investigate reported attacks on campaign materials and arrest those responsible.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Iniedu Anietie, said the police would not tolerate political intolerance, intimidation or the destruction, defacement and unlawful removal of campaign posters, banners and billboards.

He warned that political sponsors, financiers and individuals found recruiting or facilitating such attacks would also face prosecution, stressing that no one would be shielded where evidence established their involvement.

The police said the directive was aimed at safeguarding the democratic process, protecting political parties and candidates, and preventing violence and lawlessness ahead of the elections.

It further warned that political differences or party loyalty did not confer the right to destroy another candidate’s property.

According to the Force, the destruction or unlawful removal of campaign materials could amount to malicious damage, punishable under applicable laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law.

It maintained that all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliations or status, were entitled to equal protection under the law and freedom to campaign without intimidation.

Similarly, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Abubakar Ahmed Audi, warned politicians and their supporters against destroying campaign posters, banners and other political materials.

The NSCDC said its zonal and state commands nationwide had been placed on red alert to prevent political violence and protect lives and property during political activities.

Audi urged political parties and candidates to caution their supporters against acts capable of threatening public peace, noting that some individuals might destroy opponents’ campaign materials out of desperation or to gain undue political advantage.

He called on political stakeholders to embrace peaceful engagement, respect opposing parties and avoid actions capable of undermining the democratic process.

SECURITY, POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER SCRUTINY

The incidents across the six states have renewed calls for security agencies to strengthen preventive measures and respond promptly to complaints of political violence.

The Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant institutions are expected to protect political gatherings, campaign movements and party facilities without discrimination.

Political parties also face pressure to rein in their supporters, discourage inflammatory rhetoric and cooperate with investigations.

The developments have raised additional concerns about the safety of journalists and camera operators covering campaign activities.

More broadly, persistent intimidation and confrontations could discourage citizens from attending political gatherings, volunteering for candidates or openly expressing their political preferences.

With the 2027 elections approaching, stakeholders are calling for transparent investigations, prosecution of suspects where evidence establishes wrongdoing, and sustained engagement among political parties, electoral authorities, security agencies and civil society groups.

Ultimately, electoral credibility will depend not only on the conduct of voting but also on whether Nigerians can freely assemble, campaign, express political opinions and support candidates without fear of intimidation or violence.Since Borno State was created, its southern senatorial distric