The National Peace Committee has revealed that 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory recorded 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord over a 10-week monitoring period, raising serious concerns over potential threats to peaceful campaigns and the 2027 general elections.
According to the monitoring report covering August 19 to October 27, political violence, thuggery, misinformation, and disinformation are the leading violations, accounting for 33 and 29 incidents respectively. Kaduna, Edo, and Enugu were identified as major election flashpoints due to recurring political violence and security concerns, with the FCT recording seven incidents and Kaduna leading with nine.
The 109 recorded breaches represent an average of about 11 incidents weekly. Political violence and thuggery account for 33 incidents (30.3 percent), while 29 cases of misinformation and disinformation represent 26.6 percent. Attacks on political activities and campaign assets accounted for 19 incidents (17.4 percent), and intimidation and threats recorded 15 cases (13.8 percent).
Additional violations included seven restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, four inflammatory statements, one intra-party conflict, and one case of voter inducement. Notably, 57 incidents representing 52 percent of the total did not involve physical attacks, though the committee warned that false information and divisive rhetoric heavily undermine information integrity.
In a related development, Joash Amupitan, the INEC chairman, admonished members of the 2027 Election Petition Tribunals to avoid technicalities that undermine substantive justice, insisting that the truth of the ballot must prevail in resolving electoral disputes. Speaking in Abuja at a workshop organised by the Court of Appeal, Amupitan stressed that Nigeria’s post-election political stability depends on judicial courage and transparency.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Haruna, the INEC national commissioner, warned political leaders and the media against promoting the slogan “rig and die,” stating that it endangers ordinary electoral officials, voters, and ad hoc staff at polling units. Haruna urged media practitioners to verify information rigorously, avoid amplifying dangerous rhetoric, and maintain conflict-sensitive reporting standards.
The African Democratic Congress has accused INEC of applying double standards regarding inflammatory political statements, questioning the commission’s silence over an alleged threat by Jarrett Tenebe, the Edo State APC chairman, concerning the use of firearms. While INEC defended its engagement with political actors and emphasised its commitment to a level playing field, political parties continue to face intense scrutiny as campaign activities escalate toward the 2027 general elections.
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Athekame Kenneth is a politics, economy, and finance reporter whose work is anchored in sharp investigative storytelling. He brings analytical depth to every piece, drawing on a strong academic foundation that includes a degree in Economics, an MBA in International Trade, and a minor in Petroleum Economics from Lagos State University, Ojo. His reporting blends rigorous research with a keen eye for hidden truths, delivering stories that illuminate power, policy, and the forces shaping everyday lives.
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