The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development, CentreSGD has warned that sixty-one per cent of Nigerians fear violence could prevent them from voting in the 2027 general elections, raising concerns about voter participation as political attacks and intimidation escalate across the country.
The concern is more pronounced in the North-East, where 78 per cent of respondents expressed fear of being prevented from voting, according to Yiaga Africa’s National Voting Intentions Survey conducted in September 2026.
CentreSGD said the growing violence against candidates, campaign supporters and political gatherings threatens the credibility of the elections, scheduled to begin on January 16, 2027, with fewer than 70 days remaining before the presidential and National Assembly polls.
The CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Threat Assessment recorded 70 physical election-related attacks across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory between January 1 and October 27, 2026. Twenty of the incidents resulted in 27 deaths.
The Centre warned that the frequency and spread of the attacks represented a systemic threat to electoral integrity, particularly as campaign rallies, party offices and political convoys increasingly become targets.
Recent incidents include attacks on political supporters and campaign convoys in Enugu, Katsina, Ekiti, Sokoto and Kebbi. Some accounts have been disputed by the parties or authorities involved, while investigations into several incidents are ongoing.
CentreSGD said every reported attack must be investigated and perpetrators prosecuted where evidence warrants, regardless of political affiliation.
The survey, which involved 2,470 respondents, found that 84 per cent of Nigerians were likely or very likely to vote in 2027. However, 83 per cent said improved security would make them more likely to participate.
The Centre expressed concern that insecurity could further discourage young voters, noting that only 40 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 30 were very likely to vote, compared with 64 per cent of those aged 61 and above.
It also raised concerns over allegations of political intimidation, the use of state-linked security outfits against opposition campaigns and restrictions on access to campaign venues and advertising space.
The organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct impartial investigations into election-related violence, while urging political parties and candidates to condemn violent rhetoric and enforce discipline among their supporters.
It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to publish a national election security plan and ensure equal protection for all political parties.
CentreSGD warned that failure to address the violence could undermine the legitimacy of the 2027 elections before voting begins, insisting that Nigerians must be able to participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.