Nigeria’s political atmosphere is coming under closer scrutiny as security agencies and the National Peace Committee step up measures to prevent threats, inflammatory statements and election-related violence from escalating ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced investigations into controversial remarks allegedly made by three political figures Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo; and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District.

At the same time, the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has activated a situation room and an Electoral Offences Tracking System to monitor political activities, alleged violations of the peace accord and other conduct capable of undermining the electoral process.

The renewed intervention follows a series of incidents and controversial statements that have heightened concerns about intimidation and possible violence as political parties intensify mobilisation for the 2027 elections.

One of the incidents that drew public attention involved Shekwolo, who was seen in a viral video warning residents in his area council who were not supporting the All Progressives Congress to leave the council.

The development was followed days later by an attack on an Accord Party political gathering in Kuje, Abuja. According to reports, suspected thugs armed with cutlasses disrupted the gathering, chased participants away, destroyed campaign materials and furniture, and injured at least one person.

Senator Fadahunsi also came under scrutiny following a viral video of comments he allegedly made while addressing supporters during a protest at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

His remarks came amid heightened tension in Ilesa following the killing of three people in a shooting incident in the Imo area of the town. The circumstances surrounding those deaths have remained disputed.

Buba, the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, was similarly criticised over alleged remarks in which he threatened to flog and cut off the fingers of residents who refused to support the APC ahead of the 2027 election.

The incidents have increased concerns among political stakeholders and civil society groups about the possible impact of inflammatory rhetoric on the conduct of the next general election.

Opposition Accuses APC

Opposition parties have accused the ruling APC of contributing to the rising political tension, alleging that threats and intimidation could be used to discourage voters from freely participating in the 2027 elections.

The Peoples Democratic Party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, alleged that the incidents were not isolated but part of what he described as a broader attempt to intimidate Nigerians ahead of the polls.

The National Democratic Congress also accused the Federal Government and the ruling party of actions and statements capable of weakening democratic participation.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, argued that Nigerians should not be intimidated from exercising their constitutional right to vote and called on security agencies and the international community to protect the democratic process.

The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, Yabagi Sani, also warned political actors against actions capable of creating confusion, disorder or anarchy during the election period.

APC Rejects Allegations

The ruling All Progressives Congress, however, rejected the accusations that it was deliberately creating political tension or recruiting people to cause mayhem.

APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence, arguing that unsubstantiated claims should not be treated as established facts.

He questioned why a party already in power and seeking to retain power through democratic elections would deliberately create the kind of chaos that could undermine law and order.

Ibrahim also questioned the identities of some individuals making allegations against the party, suggesting that people could sometimes disguise themselves as APC members in an attempt to damage the party’s reputation.

The APC maintained that allegations of planned violence should be supported with credible evidence rather than assumptions or political accusations.

Peace Committee Begins Election Monitoring

Meanwhile, the National Peace Committee has begun actively monitoring political activities and alleged violations of the peace accord signed by political actors.

The committee’s Head of Secretariat, Reverend Father Atta Barkindo, disclosed that the organisation had established a situation room and an Electoral Offences Tracking System.

The system is being used to monitor not only violations of the political accord but also possible breaches of electoral laws and other regulatory frameworks.

Barkindo said the monitoring covers political parties, candidates, supporters, party officials and spokespersons, with both violent and non-violent incidents being documented.

He also disclosed that the committee had documented statements made by presidential candidates at the recently concluded Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association.

According to him, the relevant information would be forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the police because the Peace Committee does not have the constitutional authority to prosecute or sanction offenders.

The committee is also advocating the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission by the National Assembly, arguing that a dedicated institution would strengthen the enforcement of electoral laws and help address violations during elections.

Barkindo urged the media to support issue-based political campaigns, saying political debates should focus more on policies and national issues rather than threats and inflammatory rhetoric.

INEC Calls for Compliance

The Independent National Electoral Commission has also reminded political parties and other stakeholders that campaigns must be conducted in accordance with existing rules and guidelines.

An INEC official who spoke on the matter said the commission could not comment directly on allegations being investigated by security agencies because they involved security matters.

However, the official stressed that political parties and stakeholders were expected to comply with campaign regulations.

The commission’s position comes as political parties increasingly intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with various groups already conducting consultations, mobilisation activities and political realignments across the country.

Police Probe Political Statements and Osun Election Arrests

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that investigations were ongoing into the controversial statements attributed to Fadahunsi, Shekwolo and Buba.

The police said the statements were being treated seriously because inciting comments, particularly those connected with the electoral process, could constitute a criminal offence.

Force spokesman, Ani Iniedu, disclosed that the police had questioned Senator Fadahunsi over his alleged comments concerning members of the Accord Party.

He said the police would not hesitate to act against individuals whose conduct threatens public peace, regardless of their political status.

The Force also confirmed that about 154 people arrested during the August 15 Osun State governorship election remained under investigation.

According to the police, the arrests formed part of efforts to investigate incidents connected with the election and establish whether any of those arrested committed offences.

The police spokesman further appealed to members of the public who witnessed incidents or possess relevant evidence to cooperate with investigators.

He identified the reluctance of witnesses to come forward as one of the challenges facing criminal prosecution, stressing that allegations must ultimately be supported by evidence.

The police therefore urged Nigerians to provide information and statements that could assist investigations and prosecution.

Growing Concern Ahead of 2027

The latest developments have placed renewed attention on the conduct of political actors as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

With parties already stepping up mobilisation and political competition becoming more intense, security agencies and peace-building organisations are seeking to prevent inflammatory statements, intimidation and violence from becoming part of the electoral process.

The National Peace Committee’s monitoring system, the police investigations and calls for compliance from INEC are expected to remain important as political activities increase.

For Nigerians, the central concern remains the need for an electoral environment where political parties can compete freely, candidates can campaign without intimidation and voters can exercise their rights without fear.

As the 2027 election approaches, stakeholders are therefore being urged to place national peace and democratic stability above political differences and ensure that competition for political power does not translate into violence or threats to lives and property.