By Felix Khanoba
The Grassroots Center for Rights & Civic Orientation (GRACO) has called for the removal of police officers who fail to prevent politically motivated attacks or investigate and prosecute those responsible, amid growing concerns over violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation also urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute political actors sponsoring violence, warning that the increasing attacks on opposition politicians and supporters could undermine democratic participation and the credibility of the forthcoming elections.
GRACO made the call in a press statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Armsfree Ajanaku.
The organisation condemned what it described as a growing culture of political violence and impunity, alleging that some influential political actors were making provocative statements capable of inciting their supporters against opposition parties.
It expressed concern that individuals accused of making inflammatory statements had allegedly escaped investigation and prosecution, arguing that the absence of consequences had contributed to the escalation of politically motivated attacks.
According to GRACO, the situation has been worsened by the failure to effectively enforce provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, which prohibit electoral violence.
The organisation identified Delta, Ekiti, Lagos, Sokoto and Kebbi among states where incidents of political violence had been recorded, warning that the trend could discourage Nigerians from participating in the 2027 electoral process.
It said powerful sponsors were allegedly mobilising supporters to attack political opponents, including candidates and members of rival parties at campaign events.
GRACO maintained that tackling the situation required security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to identify and prosecute those financing and organising the attacks.
It stated that the police could not effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities if officers continued to ignore attacks on innocent citizens.
“The law enforcement cannot take the posture of bystanders and onlookers in the face of these preventable attacks,” the organisation said.
It urged security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further violence and investigate and prosecute both the sponsors and those directly involved in attacks already recorded.
The organisation further called for the dismissal of police officers who fail to prevent attacks in their areas of responsibility or deliberately refuse to investigate and prosecute suspected perpetrators.
GRACO also condemned the October 30, 2026, attack on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and members of his party.
It called for the arrest and prosecution of all suspects identified in connection with the incident.
Similarly, the organisation condemned the November 12 attack on a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos, describing it as a premeditated assault.
According to GRACO, the occurrence of the two incidents in central areas of their respective state capitals raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the police commands in those locations.
It argued that the conduct of security agencies before, during and after every political attack should form the basis for determining accountability.
“Subsequently, the actions or inactions of the security agencies where any political attacks happen should be starting point for accountability,” it stated.
The organisation called on security agencies to activate appropriate administrative measures to ensure that officers entrusted with maintaining security across the country either discharge their responsibilities or face disciplinary consequences.
It warned that the growing violence posed a serious threat to public peace, political participation and confidence in the electoral process.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, GRACO insisted that Nigeria must not allow political thugs and other criminal elements to operate without consequences.
“As we countdown to the 2027 elections, the impression should not be given that Nigeria has become a banana republic where thugs, outlaws, miscreants and street urchins are free to unleash mayhem on innocent Nigerians,” the organisation added.
