The European Union (EU) has raised concerns over growing reports of election-related violence, hate speech, and political intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that these incidents could undermine democracy and deter citizen participation.
Speaking yesterday at the opening of the Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders Forum in Abuja, EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said violence and restrictions on civic freedoms threaten democratic progress and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
The forum was organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Mignot emphasized the importance of a free media, peaceful assembly, open public debate, and civil society organizations (CSOs) in ensuring transparent elections. He noted that these platforms allow citizens to scrutinize candidates, examine campaign promises, and hold public institutions accountable without fear of intimidation.
“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,” Mignot said.
“By enabling free association and assembly, robust civic and political spaces prevent authorities from backsliding or 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. 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.”
The EU envoy pledged continued support for the NHRC and CSOs to strengthen democracy and good governance, stressing that the bloc has no intention of interfering in Nigeria’s internal political affairs.
“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, and credible electoral process,” he stated.
In his address, NHRC Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu asserted that democracy depends on the protection of citizens’ rights throughout the entire electoral cycle, not just on election day. He warned that restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and assembly fuel voter apathy, fear, and distrust.
“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 the alleged harassment and arbitrary arrests of journalists and human rights defenders, as well as the misuse of laws—including provisions of the Cybercrimes Act—to restrict civic participation.
Ojukwu also identified political intimidation, prohibitive nomination fees that exclude women, youth, and persons with disabilities, hate speech, incitement, and the unregulated use of digital platforms as major threats to credible polls. He further criticized the lack of accountability for electoral offences, warning that unpunished violations will only encourage impunity.
“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.
### Rising Violence
The EU’s warning comes amid a series of reported attacks on political supporters and campaign activities nationwide:
* **October:** Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) traveling 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 police subsequently announced 14 arrests.
* **November 4:** The convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi was attacked in Calabar, Cross River State. Police confirmed vehicle damage and the arrest of one suspect.
* **November 7:** 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.
Additionally, the National Peace Committee has reportedly recorded 60 election-related incidents within a single month, spanning violence, intimidation, and direct threats.
In a goodwill message, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) National Chairman Dr. Yusuf Talle urged political parties and their supporters to abandon violent campaigns and focus on substantive policy issues.
Talle, whose address was read by Chinedu Obi, stressed that political competition must not degenerate into hostility ahead of 2027.
“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,” Talle said.
“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.”
