70 election-related attacks recorded in 19 states, 27 killed – Centre for Security

The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development, CentreSGD, has said 70 physical election-related attacks were recorded across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory between January 1 and October 27, 2026, leaving 27 people dead.

The executive director of CentreSGD, Theresa Chigozirim Odinkalu-Okoro, in a statement, on Sunday warned that the incidents reflect escalating political violence that threatens the credibility of the 2027 general elections, as attacks on candidates, supporters, campaign convoys and party offices continue to raise security concerns.

Citing the CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Threat Assessment and Yiaga Africa’s National Voting Intentions Survey conducted in September 2026, CentreSGD said 61 per cent of Nigerians feared violence could prevent them from voting.

The figure was higher in the North-East, where 78 per cent of respondents expressed the same concern.

Among the incidents highlighted were attacks on Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, supporters in Enugu, attacks on APC campaign convoys in Malumfashi and Yankara, Katsina State, and the assault on African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and his entourage in Ado-Ekiti.

The centre also cited allegations of attacks on the ADC governorship candidate’s convoy in Sokoto and ADC campaign convoys, including that of presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, in Kebbi State.

It, however, acknowledged that some of the allegations had been disputed by the parties and authorities involved, stressing that it was not pronouncing on culpability but calling for thorough investigations and prosecution where evidence warranted.

CentreSGD urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate all election-related attacks promptly, transparently and without political bias, including prosecuting those responsible and their sponsors.

“Elections should be a contest of ideas and popular mandate, not a test of physical force or armed coercion,” the centre said.

It warned that democracy could not thrive in an environment governed by fear.