By EMMANUEL OLONIRUHA

National Peace Committee (NPC) has expressed concerns over increasing incidents of misinformation, political intimidation, violence and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The committee raised the concern in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and former Head of State, Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Co-convener, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah in Abuja on Monday.

The committee said that its Election Security Information (ESI) Hub recorded 60 election-related incidents across the country between August 19 and September 19.

It noted that the incidents were recorded shortly after the signing of the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 electoral cycle on August 18.

The committee noted that misinformation and disinformation constituted the largest category, accounting for 40 per cent, or 24 incidents, of the total recorded cases.

It said attacks and disruptions affecting political activities and assets accounted for 21.7 per cent (13 incidents), while political intimidation and threats, including incidents involving security personnel, represented 16.7 per cent (10 incidents).

Political violence and thuggery accounted for 10 per cent, or six incidents, while inflammatory statements represented 6.7 per cent, or four incidents.

The committee said restrictions on freedom of expression, intra-party conflicts and voter inducement accounted for one incident each.

It said the findings showed deviations from the peaceful and issue-based campaigns envisaged under the National Peace Accord.

“These incidents threaten to restrict political participation, erode public confidence in the electoral system and escalate tensions as political competition intensifies,” the committee stated.

It reminded all signatories that the National Peace Accord was a solemn public commitment and not a ceremonial declaration.

NPC urged the police and other security agencies to intensify prompt, impartial and evidence-driven investigations into electoral offences and political violence.

It also demanded equal protection for all political parties and candidates, with outcomes of investigations communicated transparently, where legally permissible.

The committee said investigations should go beyond individuals arrested at incident scenes to those who organise, finance or sponsor unlawful conduct.

It further urged security personnel to remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process.

The committee also called on INEC to ensure stronger monitoring of political campaigns and strict enforcement of the Electoral Act 2026 and applicable regulations governing political parties and campaign conduct.

It urged the commission to take appropriate regulatory action against breaches within its mandate and refer suspected criminal violations to relevant law-enforcement agencies.

The committee also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to immediately stop false, inflammatory and inciting communications.

It enjoined political actors to verify information before publication and actively prevent their supporters from engaging in unlawful conduct, intimidation or disruption.

The committee equally appealed to citizens and civil society organisations to resolve political disagreements through established legal and democratic mechanisms rather than retaliation or threats.

It called on civil society, traditional and religious institutions, the media and social media platforms to sustain civic education and intensify efforts to counter false information.

“As the 2027 electoral cycle progresses, the message of the NPC remains clear and unwavering.

“Every candidate must be able to campaign peacefully; every political party must be able to organise lawfully; and every citizen must be able to make a political choice without intimidation or coercion,” it said.

The committee said it would continue to monitor and verify incidents through the ESI Hub, share findings with relevant authorities and publish periodic updates. (NAN)

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