The Nigeria Police Force and the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, have stepped up measures to prevent rising political tension and curb inflammatory statements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move comes amid growing concerns over threats, intimidation and politically charged comments by some political actors as parties intensify their mobilisation for the elections.
The police have opened investigations into controversial remarks allegedly made by Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; Kuje Area Council Chairman in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo; and Senator Francis Fadahunsi of Osun East.
At the same time, the National Peace Committee has activated a situation room and an Electoral Offences Tracking System to monitor possible violations of the political accord, electoral laws and other rules governing the electoral process.
Controversial Statements Raise Concern
The renewed attention followed a series of statements and incidents that have generated concerns about possible violence as political activities gather momentum.
Shekwolo attracted public criticism after a video circulated showing him warning residents who did not support the All Progressives Congress to leave the council ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development was followed by an alleged attack on an Accord Party gathering in Kuje, Abuja, where hoodlums reportedly disrupted the event, destroyed campaign materials and injured at least one person.
In Osun State, Senator Fadahunsi also faced criticism over comments allegedly threatening members of the Accord Party during heightened political activity surrounding the state’s recent governorship election.
Buba similarly came under scrutiny over alleged remarks threatening residents who refused to support the APC in the forthcoming election.
Opposition Accuses APC
The incidents have triggered accusations from opposition parties, which have alleged that the ruling APC and its supporters are contributing to growing political tension.
The Peoples Democratic Party accused the ruling party of attempting to intimidate voters ahead of the election, while other opposition groups also called on security agencies to protect the democratic process.
The opposition parties maintained that Nigerians should be allowed to participate in political activities without threats or intimidation.
The APC, however, rejected the allegations and challenged its critics to provide evidence that the party was deliberately promoting violence or disorder.
The ruling party argued that it would have little reason to create instability while seeking to retain power through the democratic process.
Abdulsalami Panel Begins Monitoring
The National Peace Committee has also intensified its monitoring of political activities.
According to the committee, its situation room and Electoral Offences Tracking System are being used to document both violent and non-violent breaches involving political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders.
The committee said information gathered from its monitoring activities would be forwarded to relevant authorities, including the Independent National Electoral Commission and the police.
The Peace Committee does not have the constitutional authority to prosecute offenders. Instead, it relies on security agencies and electoral authorities to take appropriate action based on evidence gathered.
The committee is also advocating the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission by the National Assembly to strengthen the handling of offences committed during elections.
Police Warn Political Actors
The Nigeria Police Force has warned politicians and other stakeholders against making statements capable of provoking violence.
Police spokesman Ani Iniedu said inciting members of the public, particularly in connection with the electoral process, is a criminal offence.
The police confirmed that investigations were ongoing into the controversial remarks attributed to the senator, the Kuje council chairman and the Borno commissioner.
The Force also disclosed that 154 people arrested during the August 15 Osun governorship election remained under investigation.
Police authorities urged members of the public with relevant evidence to cooperate with investigators, stressing that successful prosecution of suspected offenders depends heavily on witnesses and credible evidence.
Call for Issue-Based Campaigns
The National Peace Committee has urged political actors to focus their campaigns on issues rather than inflammatory rhetoric.
The committee said debates surrounding policies such as fuel subsidy removal and the reopening of Nigeria’s borders should receive greater attention instead of statements capable of provoking violence.
With political activities already intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections, the police and peace-building institutions are expected to maintain closer monitoring of campaigns and political conduct.
The latest measures underline growing concerns that inflammatory speeches, intimidation and political violence could threaten the credibility and peaceful conduct of the 2027 electoral process.
