The European Union (EU) has expressed concern over increasing reports of election-related violence, hate speech and political intimidation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that such developments could weaken democratic processes and deter citizens from participating in the polls.
The EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said violence and restrictions on civic freedoms threatened democratic progress and could weaken public confidence in elections.
He spoke yesterday at the opening of the Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders Forum on the State of Human Rights in Abuja, organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Mignot cited the importance of free media, peaceful assembly, open public debate and civil society organisations in ensuring transparent elections. He said these platforms allowed citizens to scrutinise candidates, examine campaign promises and hold public institutions accountable without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
“Free civic and political spaces also help hold leaders and institutions accountable by enabling CSOs and active citizens to monitor election administration, track campaign promises and challenge government policies.
“By enabling free association and assembly, robust civic and political spaces prevent authorities from backsliding or from manipulating rules.
“It is vital to ensure credibility and public confidence in an election. The absence or weakening of these safeguards will directly undermine citizens’ rights to participate meaningfully in elections. This is why the European Union, together with its member states, is committed to ensuring the sustenance of free civic and political spaces in Nigeria,” he said.
The EU envoy pledged continued support for the NHRC and civil society organisations to strengthen democracy and good governance, stressing that the bloc was not seeking to interfere in Nigeria’s elections.
“Our objective is not to interfere in the elections but to support legitimate Nigerian stakeholders to fully play their roles in order to contribute to a free, fair, credible electoral process.
“Stakeholders, the public sector, civil society, political parties, the media, all have a very important role to play,” Mignot stated.
In his address, NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, said democracy depended on the protection of citizens’ rights throughout the electoral cycle, not only on election day.
He warned that restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly could fuel voter apathy, fear and distrust in the political system.
“When that right is suppressed, democracy does not merely stumble; it begins to die, quietly, through apathy, fear and distrust,” Ojukwu said.
He expressed concern over alleged harassment and arbitrary arrests of journalists and human rights defenders, as well as the use of laws, including provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, in ways that could restrict civic participation.
The NHRC boss also identified political and voter intimidation, prohibitive nomination fees that could prevent women, young people and persons with disabilities from contesting elections, hate speech, incitement and uncertainty surrounding the regulation of digital platforms as threats to credible polls.
He further criticised the lack of accountability for electoral offences, warning that perpetrators who escape punishment could encourage further violations.
“These are warning lights, not yet verdicts. The window to correct course is now, and that is precisely why this Forum meets today,” he added.
The warning comes amid a series of reported attacks on political supporters and campaign activities across the country.
In October, supporters of the All Progressives Congress travelling to a campaign flag-off in Funtua, Katsina State, were reportedly attacked along the Yashi-Funtua route. A female passenger was injured, vehicles were damaged and the police announced 14 arrests.
On November 4, the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was attacked in Calabar, Cross River State. Police confirmed damage to vehicles and announced the arrest of a suspect.
Three days later, one person was reportedly killed and five others injured during an attack on an NDC political procession and rally along Nnebisi Road in Asaba, Delta State.
The National Peace Committee also reportedly recorded 60 election-related incidents within one month, including violence, intimidation and threats.
In a goodwill message, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr Yusuf Dantalle, urged political parties and their supporters to abandon violent campaigns and focus on issues affecting Nigerians.
Dantalle, whose address was read by Chinedu Obi, said political competition must not turn into hostility as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
“As we approach 2027, political competition must not become warfare. Political opponents are not enemies, and electoral victory must never be pursued at the expense of human lives, public peace and national unity.
“IPAC, therefore, calls on political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, political tolerance and responsible communication.
“We must collectively reject electoral violence, hate speech, voter suppression, political intimidation and every conduct capable of undermining credible elections,” he said.
