2027 Elections: Political Thuggery Spreads Across States as Attacks on Party Supporters Raise Concerns

Concerns are mounting over rising political violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections following reports of attacks on political party members, supporters, journalists and security personnel in several states.

Since the campaigns commenced on August 19, 2026, incidents of alleged political thuggery have been reported in Kogi, Benue, Kano, Enugu, Kaduna, Delta and Rivers states, raising concerns about the safety of political actors and citizens participating in campaign activities.

According to reports, several incidents have targeted members and supporters of opposition parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has also alleged attacks on its members and supporters.

In Kogi State, suspected political thugs allegedly disrupted an ADC meeting in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area, on September 15, leaving at least one party member seriously injured. In Benue State, the motorcade of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi reportedly came under attack in Makurdi on September 8, with more than 10 supporters sustaining injuries. The Benue State Government denied allegations that government officials sponsored the attackers, while police subsequently paraded 46 suspects in connection with the incident.

In Kano, police officers and journalists covering an APC rally were reportedly attacked by suspected thugs, while incidents in Kaduna, Delta, Rivers and Enugu have also involved alleged assaults, vandalism of campaign materials and disruptions of political gatherings. In Rivers, reported clashes involving supporters of the ADC, NDC and APC have heightened concerns about political tensions in parts of the state.

The developments have prompted calls for stronger security measures ahead of the elections. Security expert Donatus Igi warned that political violence could undermine the electoral process and urged security agencies to act against perpetrators. He also called on political candidates to avoid inflammatory statements and encouraged parents to discourage young people from participating in violence.

Businessman Isaac Fayose, meanwhile, urged opposition supporters to remain united in the face of reported attacks, while encouraging them to resist intimidation. His comments came amid growing debate over how political parties and security agencies should respond to violence during campaign activities.

The reported incidents have intensified concerns about the safety of candidates, supporters and voters as the 2027 elections approach. Calls for accountability, effective law enforcement and peaceful political participation have grown, with observers warning that unchecked political violence could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.