The National Peace Committee (NPC) has expressed concern over rising political violence, inflammatory rhetoric, and widespread misinformation, revealing that 60 electoral violations were recorded across Nigeria within one month of signing the 2027 National Peace Accord.

In a statement issued Friday in Abuja by its Chairman, Gen. Abdulsalami A. Abubakar (rtd), and Convener, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Committee warned that these breaches threaten political participation, erode public trust, and escalate pre-election tensions.

Data compiled by the NPC’s Election Security Information (ESI) Hub between August 19 and September 19, 2026, shows that misinformation and disinformation constituted the largest share of violations at 40 per cent (24 incidents).

Attacks on political activities and assets accounted for 21.7 per cent (13 incidents), followed by political intimidation and security-related threats at 16.7 per cent (10 incidents).

Political thuggery comprised 10 per cent (6 incidents), inflammatory statements made up 6.7 per cent (4 incidents), while freedom of expression restrictions, intra-party friction, and voter inducement accounted for 1.7 per cent (1 incident) each.

Reminding signatories that the Accord is a binding commitment rather than a ceremonial act, the NPC called on the Nigeria Police Force and security agencies to conduct impartial, evidence-driven investigations into electoral offences.

The Committee stressed that prosecution must extend to sponsors and financiers of violence while demanding absolute neutrality from security personnel.

The NPC also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce campaign guidelines under the Electoral Act 2026, while cautioning political parties, candidates, and citizens to settle disputes through legal channels rather than retaliation. (Nigerian Tribune)

•PHOTO: National Peace Committee Chairman, Gen. Abdulsalami A. Abubakar (rtd), and Convener, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah

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