Critical stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, political parties and civil society organisations have expressed concern over the surge in political violence ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the acts as condemnable.
The House of Representatives raised the concern at a plenary sitting over the week and constituted an ad hoc committee chaired by the Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, with the Minority Leader, Hon. Fred Agbedi, as deputy chairman, to investigate the immediate and remote causes of political violence around the country ahead of the 2027 general election.
The House condemned all acts of violence, intimidation, assault and destruction of property connected with political rallies, processions, meetings and other lawful political activities, regardless of the party or persons affected.
The House expressed concern over reports of violence and disruption affecting political activities in different parts of the country, including the disruption of political meetings in Enugu state on September 12, 2026, where police said two attendees were injured and one allegedly killed, and an attack on APC supporters travelling to a rally in Katsina State on October 28, 2026, after which police said 14 suspects were arrested.
It also pointed to the violence at an APC rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on November 4, 2026, where many people were reportedly injured; and a violent incident during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, on November 7, 2026, which police said left one person dead and five others injured, as well as in Calabar, Cross Rivers state.
Also, the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council(APC-PCC) condemned attacks at political gatherings, urging security agencies to arrest and prosecute culprits.
The council said the reported attacks in Edo, Cross River, and Gombe, and other violence targeted at party supporters and political leaders across party lines are condemnable.
APC-PCC, according to its spokesperson, Dele Alake, strongly condemned the disruption of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ‘s scheduled town hall meeting in Lagos on Thursday.
The council emphasised that political parties, politicians and supporters must restrain themselves and avoid acts that could create needless crisis and public disorder as the electioneering campaign proceeds.
It called on security agencies to be more responsive and alert in preventing political violence of any type and ensure instigators and perpetrators are apprehended and punished in accordance with the law.
Similarly, the NDC National Campaign Council strongly condemned the violent attack on its supporters in Lagos by suspected political thugs during its town hall meeting.
The council, through its Spokesperson, Dr Chiogo Ikokwu, sympathised with anybody injured in the attack and wished them a speedy and full recovery.
The NDC national campaign council demanded an immediate investigation, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and an end to the dangerous culture of the political violence we’re witnessing in some states.
The Grassroots Centre for Rights and Civic Orientation (GRACO condemned the spate of political violence spreading across the country in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
The executive director of GRACO, Armsfree Ajanaku, said the disturbing trend stems from an anti-democratic culture in which certain political actors believe they can impose their will on the electorate.
GRACO strongly condemned specific instances of planned and premeditated attacks, including the dastardly assault on the Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and his party members on 30 October 2026.
Ultimately, President Tinubu said every form of violence stands condemned, adding that violence should never have a place in Nigeria’s political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement he personally signed, Tinubu said campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of Nigerians and the progress of the country.
“As the leader of this country, I commit myself to a peaceful, free, and fair election, and I urge political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly…
“I want to reiterate my previous directive to the security agencies: be strict and firm against anyone who seeks to test our resolve and will to preserve public order. We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” he stated.
Meanwhile, presidential candidates have intensified their campaigns ahead of the 16 January 2026 polls, with President Tinubu/APC presidential campaign trail visiting Ebonyi, Jigawa, Ondo, Edo and Plateau states.
While Tinubu was physically present in Jigawa and Plateau states, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him in Ebonyi, Ondo and Edo states.
Similarly, the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, held a town hall meeting in Benue State, where he visited the Tor Tiv and chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse.
While in Benue, Obi pledged to tackle insecurity, unemployment and hunger, saying his administration would build a Nigeria where no citizen is left behind if elected in 2027.
He also pledged N15 million to support survivors and families affected by the June 2025 massacre in Yelewata, Guma local government area of Benue state during his visit to the place.
Also, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, stormed Bauchi state for the party’s presidential campaign rally.
In Bauchi, Atiku addressed party supporters and residents at the rally as part of efforts to canvass support and mobilise votes ahead of the 2027 general election.
On the other hand, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) appointed Yunusa Tanko, former coordinator of the Obidient Movement, as national coordinator of its presidential campaign council.
The SDP unveiled Tanko as its national presidential coordinator during the inauguration of the party’s campaign council in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Tanko pledged to work with Adewale Adebayo, the SDP presidential candidate, and Usman Bugaje, his running mate, to secure victory in the 2027 elections.