By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Peace Committee (NPC) has reported 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within 10 weeks. The violations occurred between August 19 and October 27, 2026, raising concerns about peaceful campaigns ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The committee identified political violence, thuggery, misinformation and disinformation as the leading violations. It warned that these incidents could threaten peaceful political participation and undermine electoral confidence.
Political Violence, Thuggery Top Recorded Violations
According to the monitoring report obtained on Tuesday, the committee recorded 33 incidents of political violence and thuggery. This represents 30.3 per cent of all reported breaches.
Meanwhile, misinformation and disinformation accounted for 29 incidents, representing 26.6 per cent.
Attacks on political activities and campaign assets recorded 19 incidents. This represents 17.4 per cent of the total.
Similarly, intimidation and threats accounted for 15 cases, representing 13.8 per cent.
The report also documented seven restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. Additionally, it recorded four inflammatory statements, one intra-party conflict and one voter inducement case.
Together, the four leading categories accounted for 96 of the 109 breaches. This represents approximately 88 per cent of the total incidents.
However, 57 incidents, representing 52 per cent, did not involve physical attacks.
The committee warned that threats, false information and divisive rhetoric could undermine citizens’ freedom of choice.
Kaduna, Edo And Enugu Record Political Flashpoints
The NPC identified Kaduna, Edo, Cross River, Kogi and Borno among states affected by political violations.
Kaduna recorded the highest number, with nine incidents. Meanwhile, Edo, Enugu and the FCT recorded seven incidents each.
The report explained that violations occurred across different political environments. These included social media platforms, rallies, meetings, processions and party offices.
Other locations included campaign materials, public speeches, administrative actions and encounters with security agencies.
Peter Obi’s Convoy Obstruction Among Reported Incidents
The report highlighted several political flashpoints across the country.
One incident occurred on September 8 near Makurdi, Benue State. The committee reported an obstruction involving former Anambra governor Peter Obi’s convoy.
Obi is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In Enugu State, the committee documented repeated armed disruptions of NDC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gatherings. These incidents also affected party premises between September and October.
Similarly, gunmen disrupted PDP consultations in Calabar South, Cross River State, on October 2.
Four days later, an ADC supporter reportedly suffered a gunshot injury during political engagements in Igueben, Edo State.
In Oyo State, violence during a political procession in Ibadan occurred between October 14 and 17. The incident claimed one life.
An APC ward member also reportedly died days later. However, allegations linking a council official to the violence faced denial.
Committee Raises Alarm Over Political Intimidation
The NPC recorded 15 incidents involving intimidation and threats against political office-holders and party officials.
The reported cases occurred in Edo, Taraba, the FCT and Ebonyi.
One allegation involved an APC state chairman threatening to unleash AK-47 fire against those obstructing an electoral target.
Similarly, the chairman of Ibi Local Government Area in Taraba reportedly warned civil servants. He allegedly threatened those who voted for candidates outside his preferred choice.
The committee also raised concerns about religious and family affiliations influencing political decisions.
In Oyo State, an APC-affiliated lawmaker allegedly urged Muslim voters to reject Christian candidates.
Meanwhile, a party official in Yobe State reportedly advised women to leave their husbands. The advice followed disagreements over political party preferences.
NPC Records Restrictions On Freedom Of Expression
The committee documented seven incidents involving restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.
These included the arrest and subsequent charging of men in Borno State. The men allegedly wore shirts carrying anti-government messages.
In Akwa Ibom State, police reportedly dispersed a political support-group march.
The NPC warned that unjustified restrictions could discourage citizens from participating in lawful political activities.
It urged relevant authorities to protect citizens’ constitutional rights during election campaigns.
Misinformation And Disinformation Spread Across Social Media
The report documented 29 incidents of misinformation and disinformation during the monitoring period.
It identified fabricated newspaper headlines and recycled campaign footage as common tactics.
Other methods included false attribution of statements and forged political documents.
According to the committee, individuals recirculated old campaign videos to present past events as recent developments.
The report also identified fabricated pledges allegedly attributed to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Additionally, it documented falsified letters concerning President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi.
Some newspaper-style front pages also carried fabricated political quotations.
The committee warned that false political content could distort public debate and damage reputations. It could also deepen mistrust among political groups.
Furthermore, 30 incidents originated online. Most lacked specific state locations because social media allowed information to spread across geographical boundaries.
APC, NDC And ADC Feature In Report
The report also examined political party involvement in the recorded incidents.
It distinguished between parties identified as alleged perpetrators and those targeted.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) featured as an actor in 24 incidents. Meanwhile, the report identified it as a target in 23 cases.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) appeared as an actor in four incidents. However, it faced allegations or attacks in 28 cases.
Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) featured as an actor in two incidents. The committee identified it as a target in 15 cases.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appeared as an actor in four incidents. It also featured as a target in six cases.
Meanwhile, the Allied People’s Movement (APM) appeared as an actor once and a target twice.
The Accord Party, Action Alliance and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) also appeared as targets in one incident each.
NPC Identifies Five Major Risks Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Looking ahead, the committee identified five major threats requiring urgent attention before the 2027 elections.
These include:
- Restrictions on access to campaign activities.
- Armed political mobilisation and violence.
- Coercion and intimidation by public office-holders.
- Misinformation and disinformation.
- Declining public confidence in institutions.
The committee identified Enugu, Oyo, Edo and Cross River as states requiring attention. These states recorded recurring armed disruptions and political violence.
Similarly, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi and the FCT faced concerns over intimidation by public office-holders.
Benue and Kogi also emerged as areas requiring attention. The report highlighted potential risks involving political convoys and movements.
Committee Recommends Four-Stage Response
To address the violations, the NPC recommended a four-stage response.
The proposed measures include independent verification of reported incidents and protection of lawful political participation.
The committee also called for institutional and political party responses. Additionally, it urged transparent investigations and accountability.
It encouraged sustained engagement between the National Peace Committee, political parties and relevant institutions.
Furthermore, the committee urged political parties and candidates to condemn violence without reservation. They should also disown armed groups and clarify threats involving their officials.
Other recommendations include issue-based campaigns and truthful political communication.
The committee also stressed responsible digital media use and inclusive political participation.
It urged political actors to respect electoral and security institutions. They must also reject the partisan misuse of public authority.
Political Parties Signed National Peace Accord
The report noted that 19 political parties signed the National Peace Accord in Abuja on August 18.
Under the agreement, the parties committed to 12 standards promoting peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
The agreement came ahead of the commencement of the 2027 election campaigns.
Presidential and National Assembly campaigns began on August 19. Meanwhile, governorship and State Assembly campaigns commenced on September 9.
The committee urged political parties to uphold their commitments throughout the election period.
INEC Announces 2027 Election Dates
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027.
Meanwhile, governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
The NPC called on security agencies to provide equal protection for all lawful campaign activities.
It also urged authorities to investigate reported violations and ensure accountability.
The committee stressed that political parties and candidates must reject violence, intimidation and armed mobilisation.
According to the report, the 109 recorded breaches represent an average of approximately 11 incidents weekly.
It warned that sustained cooperation among political parties, security agencies and electoral institutions remains essential.
The committee said protecting peaceful political participation would help strengthen public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
