2027 Campaigns: Police, Abdulsalami Panel Move to Curb Rising Political Tension
Reported By Facthabournews
The Nigeria Police Force and the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, have intensified efforts to prevent political violence and rising tension as political parties begin preparations and campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development follows a series of controversial statements, alleged threats, political confrontations and reported attacks that have raised concerns about the possibility of increased violence as political mobilisation gathers momentum across the country.
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced investigations into controversial remarks allegedly made by the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo; and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District.
The Police said statements capable of inciting members of the public, particularly those relating to the electoral process, could constitute criminal offences and would be investigated in accordance with the law.
At the same time, the National Peace Committee has activated a situation room and an Electoral Offences Tracking System to monitor political activities, alleged breaches of the peace accord and other conduct that could undermine the electoral process.
The Head of the Secretariat of the National Peace Committee, Father Atta Barkindo, said the committee was monitoring the activities and statements of political parties, candidates, supporters and other political stakeholders.
According to him, the monitoring system covers both violent and non-violent violations of the political accord, electoral laws and other relevant electoral frameworks.
The committee said information gathered through its monitoring activities would be shared with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies where necessary, as the Peace Committee does not have the constitutional authority to prosecute or sanction offenders.
The renewed efforts followed several incidents that have heightened concerns about political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
One of the incidents involved Samuel Shekwolo, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, whose alleged comments warning residents opposed to the All Progressives Congress to leave the council generated public criticism.
The controversy was followed by a reported attack on an Accord Party political gathering in Kuje, Abuja. According to reports, individuals armed with cutlasses allegedly disrupted the gathering, chased participants away, destroyed campaign materials and furniture, and injured at least one person.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi also came under scrutiny following remarks made while addressing supporters during a protest in Osun State.
The senator was reportedly questioned by the Police over comments allegedly threatening members of the Accord Party. The Police said the investigation into the matter was ongoing.
The Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, was also accused of making threatening comments against residents who refused to support the APC ahead of the 2027 election.
The Police said all the alleged inciting statements were under investigation and that the outcomes would be made public.
Force spokesman Ani Iniedu said the Police would not hesitate to act against individuals whose statements threaten public peace or undermine the electoral process.
He also advised political parties, candidates and supporters to avoid statements capable of provoking violence or creating tension.
The Police further disclosed that 154 suspects arrested during the August 15 Osun State governorship election remained under investigation.
The arrests formed part of security operations carried out during the election, while investigators are expected to determine the allegations against the suspects and take appropriate action based on available evidence.
The Police have also appealed to members of the public who witnessed electoral offences or political violence to provide evidence and cooperate with investigators.
According to the Police, the reluctance of witnesses to come forward has continued to create challenges in the prosecution of suspected offenders.
The National Peace Committee has meanwhile called for greater attention to issue-based political campaigns as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
Barkindo said political parties and candidates should focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than making inflammatory statements or engaging in activities capable of increasing tension.
He said the committee was also advocating the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission by the National Assembly to strengthen the country’s ability to investigate and prosecute electoral offences.
The development comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties already mobilising supporters and positioning themselves for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly contests.
Opposition parties have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of contributing to rising political tension, while the APC has rejected the allegations and challenged its opponents to provide evidence to support their claims.
APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed allegations that the ruling party was recruiting individuals to cause violence.
He argued that it would be illogical for a political party in government to deliberately create conditions that could lead to instability and undermine law and order.
The opposition, however, has continued to call on security agencies to ensure that all political actors are treated equally and that Nigerians are able to participate in the electoral process without intimidation.
The growing political tension has also revived memories of previous election-related violence in Nigeria, particularly the violence that followed the 2011 general elections, during which more than 1,000 people were reportedly killed.
The National Peace Committee has therefore stressed the importance of learning from previous elections and preventing political disagreements from developing into violence.
The committee’s intervention is coming at a time when political parties are expected to intensify their campaigns and mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Police and other security agencies are expected to play a central role in maintaining law and order, protecting voters and candidates, investigating electoral offences and ensuring that political activities are conducted within the limits of the law.
Meanwhile, political actors have been urged to respect electoral rules and the peace accord signed by participating parties.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has also reminded political parties and other stakeholders that campaigns must comply with the relevant electoral laws and guidelines.
With the 2027 elections still ahead, the latest actions by the Police and National Peace Committee are aimed at addressing warning signs early and preventing political rhetoric, intimidation and isolated incidents from escalating into wider violence.
The success of these efforts will depend on consistent enforcement of the law, cooperation among political parties, responsible conduct by candidates and supporters, and the willingness of citizens to report incidents and provide evidence to investigators.
As political activities increase across Nigeria, the National Peace Committee and security agencies are expected to continue monitoring campaign activities and responding to violations in an effort to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process in 2027.
