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For many Nigerians, expectations are high that 2027 will provide an opportunity to get the country’s elections right. Commendably, President Bola Tinubu has expressed his desire for a free, fair and credible general election. At a recent National Security Council (NSC) meeting to discuss the security of the 2027 general election at State House, Abuja, the President directed the Service Chiefs and security agencies to guarantee a safe, peaceful and unhindered environment for the electorate to exercise their franchise.
In the meeting, attended by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, and Service Chiefs, among others, Musa reportedly assured stakeholders that the military would remain neutral during the elections.
“We want to assure Nigerians that we are committed. We are determined to ensure that we provide safety and security for all Nigerians. Everyone should come out and vote. Vote for whoever they want,” he said, reiterating that nobody should be afraid of anything or feel intimidated for whatever reason. This is a step in the right direction.
Also commendable is the report that the President would soon inaugurate 10 additional aircraft and helicopters to boost the security situation in the country. This will go a long way to enhance security during elections.
However, it is disturbing that the previous elections since independence in 1960 had been marred by violence, voter-intimidation, and bloodshed. Incidentally, security agents could not do much to stop them. In 1964/65 election, over 200 people reportedly lost their lives. In the 1999, 2003, and 2007 general elections, over 480 people lost their lives, while over 800 people were killed after the 2011 presidential election.
The National Peace Committee estimated recently that the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections recorded 106, 626, and 109 deaths respectively. In the 12 months preceding the 2023 election, Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) recorded over 200 violent events involving party members and supporters. This led to about 100 fatalities. Even in off-cycle elections, violence and deaths are common. In the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, at least 30 people were reportedly killed in election-related violence.
Between January 2021 and February 2023, ACLED recorded 44 violent incidents involving Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices and staff. Suspected hoodlums abducted and assassinated some electoral officers. Between 2025 and this year, political thugs have invaded opposition party events and attacked party members in Edo, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kebbi, Lagos, and Rivers states.
Some political gladiators have made incendiary comments that could stir up violence and deaths in our elections. They include Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, who directed his supporters to kill Accord Party members in his state; Samuel Shekwolo, who allegedly warned residents opposed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave Kuje Area Council in the FCT; and the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, who threatened to flog and cut off the fingers of those who oppose the APC in the 2027 election.
Even President Tinubu reportedly said that all is fair in politics. These are not statements that engender peace. The politicians who made the inciting comments should be prosecuted and sanctioned according to our laws.
The President should be in the forefront of actions to stamp out violence during our elections. The votes must count. The wishes of the people must be respected. The President has given the marching orders. They should be obeyed. Our elections must be transparent and credible.
Let politicians and their supporters play the game according to the rules. The 2027 election is not a do-or-die affair. Nigeria is greater than any political party or politician. No political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. While security is vital for credible poll, we should avoid over-militarisation of the poll. No voter should be suppressed or intimidated.
To engender security before, during, and after any election, INEC must ensure that there is fairness and justice for all parties and candidates. It is heart-warming that the INEC Chairman had promised a free, fair and credible poll, and that he would conduct an election in which the loser would congratulate the winner. We want to see that happen. All political parties must adhere to the stipulations of the Electoral Act and avoid using thugs to achieve sinister motives.
Above all, security agents should be neutral and apolitical in the 2027 elections. They must not favour any candidate or party, but must show no mercy towards any promoter or perpetrator of violence. Gladly, Musa promised to take action whenever Nigerians report any wrongdoing in the society, including the military. He should walk his talk.
