2027 Elections: 70 Attacks, 27 Dead As Political Violence Escalates – CentreSGD

The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development (CentreSGD) on Sunday raised the alarm over escalating political violence across Nigeria, warning that attacks on candidates, supporters and campaign activities threaten the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

The Executive Director of the centre, Theresa Chigozirim Odinkalu-Okoro, disclosed that 70 physical election-related attacks were recorded across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between January 1 and October 27, 2026, with 20 of the incidents resulting in 27 deaths, according to the CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Threat Assessment.

In a press statement on Sunday, CentreSGD said the rising violence posed a systemic threat to the electoral process, with fewer than 70 days remaining before the January 16, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections. .

Citing Yiaga Africa’s September 2026 National Voting Intentions Survey, the centre said 61 per cent of Nigerians feared violence could prevent them from voting, with the figure rising to 78 per cent in the North-East.

She added that 84 per cent of respondents were likely or very likely to vote, while 83 per cent said improved security would encourage participation.

CentreSGD identified recent attacks in Enugu, Katsina, Ekiti, Sokoto and Kebbi, including the reported killing of an NDC supporter during a campaign flag-off in Enugu, attacks on APC convoys in Katsina, and the assault on AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in Ado-Ekiti.

The ED also cited allegations of attacks on ADC campaign convoys in Sokoto and Kebbi.

The centre noted that some of the incidents were disputed by the parties and authorities concerned, stressing that it did not pronounce on culpability but demanded thorough investigations and prosecution where evidence warranted.

The Centre said police arrests linked to the Katsina and Ekiti incidents should lead to transparent prosecutions.

It warned that fear could undermine voter participation, particularly among young people, women and persons with disabilities, noting that only 40 per cent of young respondents were very likely to vote, compared with 64 per cent of Nigerians aged 61 and above.

The organisation also expressed concern over alleged use of state-linked security outfits and administrative machinery against opposition parties, citing the Sokoto convoy allegations, the sealing of the ADC state office and reported campaign billboard permit fees of up to N200 million in Abia and N150 million in Enugu, Kogi and Cross River.

CentreSGD called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct prompt, transparent and non-partisan investigations into election-related attacks and prosecute perpetrators and sponsors regardless of political affiliation.

It also urged political leaders and candidates to condemn violent rhetoric and enforce discipline among party supporters.

The centre further called on INEC and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to publish a threat-based national election security plan, while urging state governments to guarantee equal access to campaign venues, public facilities, permits and advertising spaces.