2027 Polls: EU Warns Against Electoral Violence, Hate Speech as Attacks Raise Concerns

ABUJA – The European Union has warned against the growing incidence of political violence, hate speech and intimidation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, expressing concern that the developments could undermine democratic participation.

The EU raised the alarm following reports of attacks on political supporters and campaign convoys in different parts of the country.

In October, supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) travelling to a campaign flag-off in Funtua, Katsina State, were reportedly attacked along the Yashi-Funtua route. A female passenger sustained injuries, vehicles were vandalised, and the police later confirmed 14 arrests.

Another incident occurred in Calabar, Cross River State, on November 4, 2026, when the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), came under attack.

The police confirmed damage to vehicles and disclosed that a suspect had been arrested, while investigations into the incident continued.

Also, an attack on a political procession and rally organised by NDC supporters along Nnebisi Road in Asaba, Delta State, on November 7, 2026, resulted in the death of one person and injuries to five others.

Beyond these incidents, the National Peace Committee reported that it recorded 60 election-related cases within one month, covering violence, threats and intimidation.

The EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, spoke on the situation during the opening session of the Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders Forum on the State of Human Rights in Abuja.

He warned that incidents of violence and intimidation could erode democratic achievements and prevent citizens from exercising their electoral rights.

Mignot stressed that free media, open public discussions, peaceful assembly and active civil society organisations were essential for credible elections.

According to him, these platforms enable citizens to exchange information, debate public issues and examine candidates’ records without intimidation, censorship or retaliation.

“Free civic and political spaces also help hold leaders and institutions accountable by enabling CSOs and active citizens to monitor election administration, track campaign promises and challenge government policies.

“By enabling free association and assembly, robust civic and political spaces prevent authorities from backsliding or from manipulating rules,” he said.

He maintained that protecting these freedoms was necessary to build public trust in the electoral process.

“It is vital to ensure credibility and public confidence in an election. The absence or weakening of these safeguards will directly undermine citizens’ rights to participate meaningfully in elections. This is why the European Union, together with its member states, is committed to ensuring the sustenance of free civic and political spaces in Nigeria,” Mignot added.

The EU envoy also pledged support for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and civil society organisations to strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance.

“Our objective is not to interfere in the elections but to support legitimate Nigerian stakeholders to fully play their roles in order to contribute to a free, fair, credible electoral process.

“Stakeholders, the public sector, civil society, political parties, the media, all have a very important role to play,” he said.

The forum, organised by the NHRC, was held under the theme, “Protecting Human Rights in Civic and Political Spaces in the 2027 Elections.”

Also speaking, the NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, said democracy required continuous protection of citizens’ rights beyond election day.

He explained that democratic governance depended on the freedom of Nigerians to express themselves, assemble peacefully, associate freely and elect their leaders without intimidation.

Ojukwu referenced Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution, Sections 39 and 40, Article 13 of the African Charter and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as legal guarantees of citizens’ participation in public affairs.

“When that right is suppressed, democracy does not merely stumble; it begins to die, quietly, through apathy, fear and distrust,” he stated.

The NHRC chief further raised concerns about the treatment of journalists and human rights defenders, who he said continued to face harassment, arbitrary arrests and the alleged misuse of laws, including provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.

He also listed political and voter intimidation, excessive nomination fees that prevent women, youths and persons with disabilities from contesting elections, hate speech, incitement and regulatory uncertainties surrounding digital platforms among the challenges threatening the 2027 polls.

Ojukwu particularly condemned the lack of accountability for electoral offences, warning that the failure to punish offenders could encourage further violations.

“As I said recently when I received the UNOWAS delegation, led by Special Representative, Leonardo Santos Simão, as long as people can commit these election-related offences and go scot-free, then anybody can try anything they like.

“These are warning lights, not yet verdicts. The window to correct course is now, and that is precisely why this Forum meets today,” he said.

In a goodwill message, IPAC National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, represented by Mr Chinedu Obi, also called for urgent action to prevent political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said recent off-cycle elections, particularly the campaign period before the Osun State governorship election, demonstrated the importance of protecting citizens and maintaining peace throughout the electoral cycle.

Dantalle emphasised that democratic competition should remain peaceful and issue-based rather than degenerate into hostility.

“As we approach 2027, political competition must not become warfare. Political opponents are not enemies, and electoral victory must never be pursued at the expense of human lives, public peace and national unity.

“IPAC, therefore, calls on political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, political tolerance and responsible communication.

“We must collectively reject electoral violence, hate speech, voter suppression, political intimidation and every conduct capable of undermining credible elections,” he added.