Abuja – The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOT!ON), ActionAid Nigeria, Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), and the Abuja School of Political and Social Thoughts have condemned recent attacks on opposition political figures, their supporters and campaign activities across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‎

‎In a joint statement issued in Abuja on November 5, 2026, the organisations expressed concern over the October 30 attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, and the November 4 attack on the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar, Cross River State.

They also cited the earlier obstruction of Obi’s movement in Benue State and reported attacks and intimidation involving African Democratic Congress (ADC) members in Sokoto.

‎

‎According to the statement, Sowore and members of his team sustained injuries and were hospitalised following a violent confrontation in Ekiti, while 11 suspects were arrested.

It added that suspected attackers armed with dangerous objects damaged vehicles in Obi’s convoy in Calabar, with the police confirming an arrest. The organisations called for comprehensive investigations to establish not only the identities of the perpetrators but also possible sponsors, financiers and individuals who may have facilitated the attacks.

‎

‎The groups further faulted the continued occurrence of political violence, arguing that it raises questions about the ability of security agencies to protect political activities. They cited Sections 95 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2026, which they said place an obligation on the police to protect political gatherings.

They stressed that free elections must allow candidates to travel, organise meetings, address communities and mobilise supporters without intimidation or violence.

‎

‎To underscore the growing threat to democratic participation, the organisations referenced the National Voting Intentions Survey (NVIS 3.0) released by Yiaga Africa, which found that 84 per cent of Nigerians were likely or very likely to vote in the 2027 elections, while 61 per cent said fear of violence could prevent them from voting.

They also cited the National Peace Committee’s report of 60 election-related incidents between August 19 and September 19, 2026, including attacks on political activities, intimidation and threats.

‎

‎While acknowledging the arrests made in connection with the Ekiti and Calabar incidents, the organisations insisted that investigations must go beyond the immediate perpetrators to determine whether the attacks were organised, sponsored or facilitated by public officials or security personnel.

They also urged the government to ensure that security institutions remain politically neutral and that protection for political activities is not determined by party affiliation.

‎

‎The organisations called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), working through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), to establish clear and non-discriminatory procedures for protecting campaign activities and political gatherings.

They urged the National Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations to monitor alleged abuses, provide safe reporting channels for victims and witnesses, and ensure accountability.

‎

‎They further called on all political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, to reject the mobilisation, financing or protection of violent groups.

Urging trade unions, student organisations, professional bodies, community associations and other democratic groups to resist political intimidation peacefully, the organisations maintained that defending the democratic rights of political opponents does not amount to endorsing their political positions, but protecting the constitutional freedoms of all Nigerians.