The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has raised concerns over what it described as an escalating wave of political violence, intimidation and attacks on political candidates, their supporters and campaign activities across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation warned that the growing incidents could undermine democratic participation, intimidate opposition politicians and create an atmosphere of fear capable of threatening the credibility of the forthcoming elections.
In a statement issued on November 6, 2026, and signed by its Director, Dr Dauda Garuba, CDD-West Africa cited recent attacks involving the presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, as well as Manir Muhammad Daniya.
The organisation also condemned the violent disruption of an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Nasarawa State, describing the growing pattern of violence as a disturbing development in Nigeria’s political environment.
It said the incidents represented a dangerous escalation beyond threats and inflammatory political rhetoric, raising serious questions about the safety of political actors and the protection of democratic rights.
On November 4, Obi’s convoy reportedly came under attack by suspected political thugs during his campaign visit to Calabar, Cross River State. The incident left some supporters injured and several vehicles damaged.
The Cross River State Police Command subsequently announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the attack.
While acknowledging the arrest, CDD-West Africa demanded a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute all those involved, including individuals who allegedly sponsored, organised or instigated the violence.
Similarly, Sowore and members of his team reportedly sustained injuries following a violent confrontation during his political engagement in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on October 30.
Although the police announced the arrest of 11 suspects, the organisation said conflicting accounts provided by Sowore and the police made an independent and transparent investigation imperative.
It called on the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that everyone found culpable was brought to justice.
CDD-West Africa also raised concerns over the October 30 incident involving Manir Muhammad Daniya, whose convoy was reportedly obstructed near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto State.
Daniya had alleged that personnel of state security outfits blocked his convoy and fired gunshots, an allegation disputed by the ruling APC.
The organisation urged security agencies to investigate the incident impartially, establish what transpired and ensure that state security institutions were not deployed to intimidate, harass or obstruct political opponents.
It further condemned the disruption of the APC presidential campaign rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on November 4, where an object was reportedly thrown towards Governor Abdullahi Sule while he was addressing the gathering.
CDD-West Africa noted the governor’s subsequent directive for an investigation, stressing that political violence and intimidation were unacceptable regardless of the political affiliation of the victims.
The organisation, however, expressed particular concern over what it described as an apparent disparity in the visibility and strength of official responses to politically motivated violence, especially when opposition candidates and their supporters were targeted.
It questioned why the Nasarawa incident had attracted a response from the governor while attacks involving opposition candidates had allegedly not received equally forceful and unequivocal condemnation from relevant authorities.
According to the organisation, such perceived differences in official reactions could deepen public suspicion of selective accountability, political tolerance of violence and unequal protection of citizens based on their political affiliations.
It stressed that government authorities had a responsibility to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting democratic participation, irrespective of whether those affected belonged to the ruling party or opposition.
CDD-West Africa warned that repeated attacks, particularly when accompanied by inconsistent investigations and a lack of impartial accountability, could embolden perpetrators and gradually normalise political violence in Nigeria.
The centre insisted that political parties and candidates must take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and ensure that political competition did not degenerate into violence, intimidation or the disruption of lawful campaign activities.
It called on all political parties and candidates to unequivocally condemn political violence, exercise control over their supporters and demonstrate genuine commitment to peaceful political competition in accordance with the National Peace Accord.
The organisation also urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to promptly and transparently investigate all reported incidents, identify both the perpetrators and their alleged sponsors, and prosecute those found culpable.
It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to engage political parties and relevant stakeholders over the growing threats to peaceful campaigning while strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of electoral regulations and codes of conduct.
The centre further urged federal and state governments to publicly condemn political violence without discrimination, regardless of the political affiliations of the victims or perpetrators.
It also called on the National Peace Committee and other relevant stakeholders to intensify engagements with political parties and candidates, strengthen compliance with the National Peace Accord and establish coordinated mechanisms for preventing and addressing political violence.
“The legitimacy of the 2027 general elections will depend not only on the credibility of the voting and result-management processes but also on the extent to which Nigerians are able to participate freely, safely and without intimidation,” the organisation stated.
CDD-West Africa warned that elections conducted in an atmosphere where candidates were attacked, supporters threatened and campaign activities disrupted could neither inspire public confidence nor strengthen democratic governance.
“Nigeria’s democracy must be defended through peaceful competition, the rule of law and the will of the electorate, not through violence, threats or coercion,” it added.
The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments, document verified incidents and engage relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful, inclusive and credible elections in 2027.