2027: Reps to probe attacks on political rallies, supporters

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the growing incidents of violence during political campaign activities across Nigeria, following reports of attacks, injuries, deaths and disruption of political gatherings in several states.

The House adopted the resolution on Thursday after a motion of urgent public importance jointly sponsored by Minority Leader Frederick Agbedi (PDP Bayelsa) and 16 other lawmakers.

The co-sponsors are Abdussamad Dasuki, Mansur Soro, George Ozodinobi, Aliyu Madaki, Usman Kumo, Sada Soli, Benedict Etanabene, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Bamidele Salam, Abdulmumin Mohammed, Adamu Ranga, Munachim Alozie, Uchenna Okonkwo, Obordor Mitema, Marie Ebikake and Dominic Okafor

The motion, titled Need to Arrest the Rising Violence During Political Campaign Activities, seeks to establish the immediate and underlying causes of political violence and recommend measures to prevent further attacks as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Leading the debate, Mr Agbedi said attacks, intimidation, and property destruction linked to political activities could discourage citizens from participating in the electoral process and undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

He cited several incidents across the country, including the disruption of political meetings in Enugu State on 12 September, where the police reportedly said two attendees were injured and one person was allegedly killed.

He also recalled an attack on All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters travelling to a rally in Katsina State on 28 October, following which the police reportedly arrested 14 suspects.

Other incidents cited in the motion included violence at an APC rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on 4 November, where several people were reportedly injured, and an attack during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, on 7 November, which the police said left one person dead and five others injured.

The lawmaker also raised concerns over reported violence in Calabar, Cross River State.

Mr Agbedi said the incidents threatened citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.

He cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to assemble freely and associate with others, including the right to form or belong to a political party.

He also referenced Section 14(2)(b), which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

The minority leader said the reported attacks could have wider consequences for political participation and the credibility of the electoral process.

“Attacks, intimidation and destruction of property connected with political activities may cause further loss of life and injury, discourage citizens from participating in lawful political activities and undermine public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.

He further cited Section 88(1) of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to investigate matters within its legislative competence and the conduct of public authorities responsible for administering laws.

However, the lawmaker cautioned against attributing responsibility for the incidents without proper investigation, insisting that allegations must be established through impartial, evidence-based inquiries.

In its resolutions, the House condemned all acts of violence, intimidation, assault and destruction of property connected with political rallies, processions, meetings and other lawful political activities, irrespective of the political parties or individuals affected.

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It also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject inflammatory rhetoric, discourage violence and cooperate with security agencies to maintain public order.

The House adopted the motion without debate and further resolved to constitute a committee comprising the Committees on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence to investigate the immediate and remote causes of political violence across the country.

The committee, to be headed by a principal officer of the House, was asked to submit its findings to the House within three weeks.

The motion comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their supporters increasingly organising rallies, meetings and mobilisation exercises across the country.

However, clashes between rival supporters, attacks on political gatherings and destruction of property have remained recurring concerns during election seasons in Nigeria, often raising questions about the safety of politicians, supporters and other citizens participating in the democratic process.

The lawmakers said their proposed investigation would help establish the circumstances surrounding the latest incidents and identify measures to prevent further violence.