60 DAYS TO POLLS: Fear over electoral process as political attacks rise

…Report says 640 killed in October as a result of broader insecurity …Experts warn against violence, fake news By Nnamdi Ojiego 60 days to the 2027 general elections, concerns are mounting over the safety of the electoral process as rising insecurity, attacks on political gatherings and the spread of misinformation threaten to undermine citizens’ participation in the polls.

The concerns have been heightened by fresh incidents of political violence in different parts of the country, including Calabar, Cross River State, Asaba, Delta State, and Sokoto, where political supporters and opposition figures have reportedly come under attack. The developments have renewed questions about the preparedness of security agencies to protect candidates, party supporters and voters, particularly in a country already grappling with banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and communal violence.

A report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Nigeria Election Security Tracker for October 2026 provides a troubling picture of the security situation. It recorded 640 deaths during the month (October), representing a 61.62 per cent increase from the 396 deaths recorded in September. Of the 640 deaths, 638 were attributed to broader insecurity, while two resulted from election-related attacks in Enugu and Ebonyi.

The North-East accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 409 deaths. The report also documented 16 election-related incidents in October, compared with 14 in September, representing a 14.29 per cent increase. Attacks on campaign gatherings and convoys accounted for 11 of the 16 incidents. Other cases involved assaults on individuals, attacks on political property and the restriction of a political gathering.

The incidents affected several political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), which each recorded four cases, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) recorded three. Two of the incidents were fatal. Ifeanyi Nwolie died from gunshot injuries sustained during the NDC campaign launch in Enugu on October 10.

In Ebonyi, gunmen attacked the convoy of NDC candidate, Rollins Offia-Nwali, on October 22, killing one person, injuring three others and burning his vehicle. The candidate reportedly escaped. The CDD report also documented attacks on ADC convoys in Igueben and Kogi, disruption of PDP consultations in Calabar, an attack on an ADC candidate’s meeting in Obosi, Anambra State, and the prevention of supporters from gathering for the Obi-Kwankwaso march in Abuja.

Although broader insecurity accounted for most of the fatalities, the report warned that its consequences could extend to the electoral process, particularly in communities where residents have been displaced or roads have become unsafe. According to the report, insecurity could prevent election officials and party agents from reaching vulnerable communities, while displaced residents and those living in unsafe areas may be unable to check the voter register or reach their polling centres.

November incidents heighten concerns Developments in November appear to have reinforced the concerns raised by the October report. In Calabar, Cross River State, the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the NDC, and party supporters reportedly came under attack by suspected political thugs on November 4, shortly after his arrival in the state capital for a political engagement.

The attackers allegedly hurled stones, bottles and other dangerous objects at the convoy around Watt Market, leaving several supporters injured and vehicles damaged. The police confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, while investigations commenced to identify other suspects and their alleged sponsors. On the same day, police intervened to prevent a possible confrontation between NDC supporters attending Obi’s town hall meeting and APC supporters holding a rally in another part of Calabar.

The two groups reportedly converged around the Metropolitan Hotel area, disrupting movement and commercial activities before security operatives restored order. In Asaba, Delta State, the situation was more tragic. A political procession organised by the Obidient/OK Movement in support of the NDC presidential candidate was attacked by suspected hoodlums along Nnebisi Road on November 7.

One person was killed and five others injured, according to the Delta State Police Command. The police said they had received intelligence indicating the possibility of violence and had advised the organisers against an open-road procession, recommending a designated venue where adequate security could be provided. The organisers, however, proceeded with the procession, according to the police account.

The incident generated accusations and counter-accusations between the NDC and APC. While NDC chieftain and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, accused members of the ruling party of being re