Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections have come under fresh scrutiny following a report by the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), documenting 109 violations of the National Peace Accord across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The violations were recorded over a 10-week period between August 19 and October 27, 2026, highlighting concerns about political violence, intimidation and misinformation ahead of the elections.

The committee's report identified political violence and thuggery as the most frequently recorded violations, with 33 incidents. Misinformation and disinformation accounted for 29 cases, while attacks on political activities and campaign materials recorded 19 incidents. Another 15 cases involved intimidation and threats.

Kaduna State recorded the highest number of violations with nine incidents, while Edo, Enugu and the FCT recorded seven each.

Among the incidents highlighted were the obstruction of Peter Obi's convoy near Makurdi, Benue State, and reported disruptions of political gatherings in Enugu, Cross River and Edo states.

The report also drew attention to the growing use of online platforms to spread fabricated headlines, manipulated videos and misleading political claims. It warned that such activities could deepen political divisions and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

The findings are particularly significant as they come less than three months after 19 political parties signed the National Peace Accord on August 18, 2026, promising to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect democratic principles.

The Abdulsalami-led committee has called on political parties to take responsibility for the conduct of their members, investigate reported violations and discipline those involved in electoral violence. It also urged security agencies to protect all political groups and ensure that reported attacks are properly investigated.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the report presents an early warning about the political environment and the need for parties, candidates and security institutions to demonstrate that their commitments to peaceful elections extend beyond signing an agreement.

© 2026 Aliu Azeema |

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