By Jelili Gbadamosi
The growing number of attacks and disruptions at political gatherings across parts of Nigeria is raising fresh concerns over the safety of politicians, party supporters and citizens as activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
Since campaign activities began in August, incidents involving alleged political thuggery have been reported in Kogi, Benue, Kano, Enugu, Kaduna, Delta and Rivers states, with opposition parties frequently alleging that their meetings and rallies were targeted.
The incidents have ranged from the disruption of party meetings to attacks on campaign convoys, destruction of political materials and alleged shootings, heightening concerns that political violence could become a major challenge as the election season progresses.
In Benue State, the police arrested 46 people following the obstruction of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Makurdi on September 8. The police said the incident created tension that could have escalated into violence, while the state government denied allegations that it was behind the incident. (Channels Television)
Kogi has also recorded tension. A meeting of the African Democratic Congress in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area, was reportedly disrupted by suspected political thugs, with one party member sustaining injuries. The identities and political affiliations of those responsible had not been officially established in reports on the incident. (Tribune Online)
Similar reports have emerged from other parts of the country.
In Enugu, political gatherings involving the NDC and Peoples Democratic Party were reportedly disrupted, while Rivers State has witnessed reported clashes and disruptions involving supporters of different political parties. A report on the recent incidents described the disruption of political meetings in Enugu and Rivers as part of a wider pattern of violence surrounding political activities. (Vanguard News)
The developments have placed renewed attention on the ability of political parties to conduct meetings and mobilise supporters without intimidation.
The concern is not limited to opposition parties. Members and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress have also reported attacks in some locations, underscoring the broader security implications of political violence.
Security experts and other stakeholders have consequently called for stronger preventive measures, arguing that security agencies need to respond quickly to threats before they escalate into wider confrontations.
The Benue police, for instance, warned that political intolerance would not be allowed as the 2027 election approaches following the arrest of the 46 suspects linked to the obstruction of Obi’s convoy. (Channels Television)
Beyond the immediate injuries and destruction reported in some of the incidents, the repeated disruption of political activities could have wider consequences for participation if supporters become reluctant to attend rallies, meetings or other campaign events.
With the 2027 elections still ahead, political parties, candidates, security agencies and their supporters face increasing pressure to prevent disagreements from turning into violence.
The latest incidents have therefore shifted attention from campaign mobilisation alone to the question of whether political activities can be conducted safely and peacefully across the country in the months leading to the elections.
