By Stella Omona
Abuja
Civil Society Organisations CSOs, including the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOT!ON), ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with two others, have condemned recent attacks on opposition political figures and their supporters, warning that political intimidation could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The organisations, including Centre LSD and Abuja School of Political and Social Thoughts, in joint statement on Thursday, expressed concern over the attack on the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti on October 30, as well as the reported attack on the convoy of Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Calabar on November 4.
They also cited the earlier obstruction of Obi’s movement in Benue State and reports of intimidation and attacks involving members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto.
The organisations said the incidents pointed to growing threats to political freedom and democratic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
They noted that Sowore and members of his team sustained injuries and were hospitalised following the Ekiti incident, which reportedly led to the arrest of 11 suspects.
Similarly, suspected attackers allegedly armed with dangerous objects damaged vehicles in Obi’s convoy in Calabar, with the police confirming an arrest.
While acknowledging the arrests, the organisations called for comprehensive investigations to establish not only the identities of the direct perpetrators but also possible sponsors, financiers and organisers of the attacks.
They further urged authorities to investigate any possible involvement, negligence or complicity of public officials and security personnel.
The groups stressed that Sections 95 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2026 placed an obligation on the police to protect political gatherings, expressing concern over what they described as repeated failures to discharge that responsibility.
According to them, credible elections go beyond having candidates on the ballot, as political parties and their candidates must be able to travel, organise meetings, address communities and mobilise supporters without intimidation or violence.
Citing the National Voting Intentions Survey (NVIS 3.0) released by Yiaga Africa, the organisations said 84 per cent of Nigerians were likely or very likely to vote in the 2027 elections, while 61 per cent identified fear of violence as a factor that could prevent them from voting.
They also referenced the National Peace Committee’s report of 60 election-related incidents recorded between August 19 and September 19, 2026, including attacks on political activities, intimidation, threats and other forms of political violence.
The organisations called on trade unions, student groups, community associations, professional bodies and civil society organisations to resist the normalisation of political intimidation through peaceful and organised actions.
They urged communities and political organisations to document credible incidents, preserve evidence, support victims and demand accountability, irrespective of the political affiliation of those involved.
Specifically, they called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure thorough investigations into the Ekiti and Calabar incidents, including allegations of sponsorship, financing and official complicity.
They also urged President Bola Tinubu, state governors, the police and the Department of State Services to publicly reaffirm the political neutrality of security institutions.
The groups further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), to establish transparent and non-discriminatory procedures for protecting political meetings, campaign movements and access to lawful venues.
They urged the National Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations to monitor the treatment of opposition candidates, political organisers and protesters, including alleged misconduct by security agencies.
The statement also called on all political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, to reject the mobilisation, financing or protection of violent groups.
