Rising Political Violence Threatens 2027 polls as Peace Committee Records 109 Breaches

The National Peace Committee has raised concerns over growing threats to peaceful political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the recording of 109 violations of the National Peace Accord across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within 10 weeks.

The committee, in its monitoring report covering August 19 to October 27, obtained by *The PUNCH* on Tuesday, identified political violence and thuggery, alongside misinformation and disinformation, as the leading violations, accounting for 33 and 29 incidents respectively.

The report further identified Kaduna, Edo and Enugu as potential election flashpoints due to recurring cases of political violence, armed disruptions and other security concerns. The FCT recorded seven violations, while Kaduna topped the list with nine incidents.

Expressing concern over the developments, the committee called for thorough investigations into reported violations and urged security agencies to guarantee equal protection for all lawful campaign activities, irrespective of political affiliation.

It also urged political parties and candidates to publicly condemn violence, dissociate themselves from armed groups and ensure that those responsible for threats, intimidation and other electoral offences are held accountable.

The development comes as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixing January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections commenced on August 19, while political campaigns for the governorship and State Assembly elections began on September 9.

In a move to promote peaceful political participation, 19 political parties signed the National Peace Accord in Abuja on August 18, committing themselves to 12 standards designed to encourage issue-based campaigns, political tolerance and peaceful conduct before, during and after the 2027 general elections.