Political thuggery spikes across Nigeria as 2027 election campaigns begin
Since campaigns for the 2027 general election began on August 19, political thuggery has surged across at least eight states—Kogi, Benue, Kano, Enugu, Kaduna, Delta, Rivers and others—with attacks largely targeting opposition party members and supporters. In Kogi on September 15, alleged APC-sponsored thugs disrupted an ADC meeting in Ejule, firing shots into the air and seriously injuring one ADC member. In Benue on September 8, the motorcade of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi was blocked in Makurdi, leaving over ten supporters hospitalized and prompting the police to parade 46 suspects. In Kano on September 5, police officers and journalists covering an APC rally were attacked behind North West University, with a Radio Nigeria vehicle smashed; the incident follows a teen’s killing linked to street thugs. Delta saw thugs disrupt a Warri rally for Obi and running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso, with photographer Esther Umoh alleging gunfire against the convoy. Kaduna reported vandalism of ADC vehicles after Isa Mohammed Ashiru’s return from Hajj, while Rivers and Enugu documented clashes, destroyed campaign materials and gunfire injuries, some victims still hospitalized. Security expert Donatus Igi urged agencies to curb the trend, warning that compromised forces and youth recruited for violence threaten election credibility. Opposition businessman Isaac Fayose urged supporters to resist attacks peacefully and stay united. Will you stay informed through verified sources, avoid confrontations at rally hotspots, and report any threats to security agencies to help keep the 2027 polls peaceful?