The National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has raised concerns over the growing threats to peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the documentation of 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord.

The breaches were recorded across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory during a ten-week monitoring exercise conducted between August 19 and October 27, 2026.

The committee’s monitoring report identified political violence and thuggery, misinformation and disinformation as the leading violations, with 33 and 29 incidents respectively.

Attacks on political activities and campaign assets accounted for 19 incidents, while intimidation and threats recorded 15 cases.

The report also documented seven incidents involving restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, four inflammatory statements, one intra-party conflict and one case of voter inducement.

Kaduna recorded the highest number of incidents with nine, while Edo, Enugu and the Federal Capital Territory recorded seven each.

The committee identified Kaduna, Edo, Cross River, Kogi and Borno among states affected by election-related security concerns, warning that the trend could undermine peaceful campaigns and the credibility of the 2027 elections.

It cited incidents including the obstruction of the convoy of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, near Makurdi, Benue State, as well as armed disruptions of political gatherings in Enugu and Cross River states.

The committee also raised concerns over threats and intimidation allegedly involving political office holders and party officials, warning that such actions could discourage citizens from freely exercising their political rights.

On misinformation, the report identified fabricated newspaper headlines, recycled campaign videos, forged documents and false attribution of political statements as recurring tactics capable of deepening mistrust among political groups.

To address the situation, the committee called on political parties and candidates to condemn violence, disown armed groups and ensure accountability for members involved in threats and intimidation.

It also urged security agencies to provide equal protection for all lawful political activities and investigate reported electoral violations.

The committee further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and relevant institutions to ensure that credible electoral offences are referred for appropriate legal action.

It stressed the need for sustained engagement among political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders to safeguard peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.